Samar Yahya
Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — The Consulate General of Palestine marked the 51st anniversary of the Palestinian revolution with a ceremony attended by diplomats and Saudi government dignitaries at Jeddah’s Hilton hotel on Wednesday.
Consul General Mahmoud Al-Assadi and the consulate staff received Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Makkah Province Mohammad Bin Ahmad Tayyeb, who is also the permanent representative of the Kingdom at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The ceremony included the screening of a documentary about Palestine’s history and the revolution, as well as a recording of one of Mahmoud Darwish's poems, “Register, I am an Arab."
Welcoming the guests, Al-Assadi said: “It is my honor to express Palestinians’ appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for all and the continuous support given to Palestine's cause.
“I am here to confirm that the Palestinian revolution would not have continued without Arab and Islamic political, economic and financial support, topped by Saudi Arabia."
Al-Assadi also said the event marked Palestinian Martyrs Day, which falls on Jan. 7.
“We are here marking the 51st year of the revolution while the Palestinian people are still facing hard circumstances, siege and settlements from Israel. Jerusalem is still facing violations and Gaza is under siege, yet the Palestinian people continue their struggle embracing their rights, aims and ambitions.
“The United Nations' approval of Palestine’s membership as a non-member state in November 2012 is a historical achievement that confirms the state efforts to accomplish political rights is going in the right direction.”
Tayyeb said the Kingdom’s leaders had stood by and supported the Palestinian people and their case since King Abdul Aziz to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman.
He remembered the Palestinian martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their homeland.
“We can say that the Palestinians will achieve their goals and will realize their dream of living at home on their own blessed land,” Tayyeb said.
Al-Assadi presented a memorial shield to Tayyeb during the ceremony, while guests also enjoyed a performance by a Palestinian folk dance group.
