Yasser Arafat's Pivotal 1988 UN Address

Name: Yasser Arafat's Pivotal 1988 UN Address
Start: 1929-12-13
Location: Unspecified

Yasser Arafat Addresses the UN General Assembly

The Significance of Arafat's 1988 Speech

On November 15, 1988, Yasser Arafat, the leader of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), delivered a historic address at the United Nations General Assembly in Geneva. This moment marked the first time a Palestinian leader spoke at the UN, bringing international attention to the Palestinian struggle for nationhood. Arafat's speech emphasized the urgent need for peace and highlighted the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

The Context of the 1988 Address

Arafat's address came in the wake of the 1987 Intifada, a Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule in the occupied territories. The uprising had captured global media attention, making the plight of the Palestinians more visible than ever. During this address, Arafat asked the international community to recognize the rights of the Palestinian people and to support their quest for statehood.

Key Takeaways from Arafat's UN Speech

The Message of Peace

In his speech, Arafat famously stated, "I come bearing an olive branch. Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand." This powerful imagery symbolized his commitment to peace and reconciliation, yet also reflected the frustrations of the Palestinian people.

The Declaration of the State of Palestine

During this address, Arafat proclaimed the establishment of the State of Palestine, declaring it an independent state based on the June 1967 borders. This declaration was a significant step forward in the quest for Palestinian sovereignty and was met with mixed reactions globally.

Fun Fact

Arafat's Iconic Beret

During his UN speech, Yasser Arafat wore his signature black-and-white checkered keffiyeh, which has since become a symbol of Palestinian nationalism.