Saeb Erakat
Saeb Erakat: A Life Dedicated to Palestinian Liberation
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Saeb Erakat is a renowned Palestinian politician and diplomat who has been at the forefront of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for over four decades. Born as Saeb Mohammed Abu Baker Erakat, he is commonly known as Dr. Saeb Erekat.
Birth and Death Dates
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Saeb Erakat was born on March 28, 1942, in Abu Dis, a small village near Jerusalem. He passed away on November 30, 2020, at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire hope for a free Palestine.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Erekat is a Palestinian national and has dedicated his life to serving his people as a politician, diplomat, and negotiator. Throughout his career, he has held various positions, including Chief Negotiator of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Minister of Foreign Affairs, and President of the Palestinian Legislative Council.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in Abu Dis, Erakat was exposed to the harsh realities of life under occupation from a young age. His family's struggles and his own experiences as a student leader during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War instilled in him a deep commitment to the Palestinian cause. Erekat studied law at al-Quds University in Jerusalem before pursuing further education in the United States.
Major Accomplishments
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Erekat has been instrumental in shaping the Palestinian negotiating team and has played a key role in numerous international peace talks, including:
The Madrid Conference (1991): A significant breakthrough in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process, where Erekat represented the PLO alongside Israeli officials.
The Oslo Accords (1993): Erakat was part of the Palestinian delegation that negotiated this landmark agreement with Israel, aimed at establishing a framework for peaceful coexistence.
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his diplomatic efforts, Erekat has written extensively on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. His books and articles offer valuable insights into the complexities of the issue and provide a nuanced understanding of the Palestinian perspective.
"From Oslo to Jerusalem: A Fateful Leap for Palestine" (2003): In this book, Erakat reflects on the successes and failures of the peace process and offers recommendations for moving forward.
"The Struggle Continues: Palestine's Case for Statehood" (2012): This collection of essays presents a comprehensive analysis of the Palestinian issue, highlighting the need for international recognition and support.
Impact and Legacy
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Saeb Erakat's tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As a champion of Palestinian rights and self-determination, he has inspired countless individuals around the world to take up the cause.
Advocate for Statehood: Erekat has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian statehood, recognizing the inherent right of Palestinians to govern themselves.
Promoter of Non-Violent Resistance: He has consistently emphasized the importance of non-violent resistance in achieving peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Saeb Erakat's commitment to Palestinian liberation and his dedication to finding a just solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have made him a widely respected figure. His quotes, writings, and actions continue to inspire hope for a better future, where Palestinians can live in freedom, dignity, and peace.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Saeb Erakat, let us remember his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and human rights. His impact will be felt for generations to come, as we strive towards a brighter tomorrow, free from occupation and oppression.
Quotes by Saeb Erakat
The least important issue today is my resignation. The real issue is the lives of Palestinians and Israelis, breaking the vicious cycle and reviving the peace process and putting it back on track.
a monitoring system so they can tell the Israelis what the Palestinians are doing and what they are not doing.
And maybe and only maybe, the answer to this mess, to these killings fields out there, is not more incursions, not more tanks,
The essential element here is not to waste time. It is also important to revive, in the minds of Palestinians and Israelis, hope in peace.
The house was damaged. The extent of the damage is not yet known. It also is not known if anyone was injured inside the house.
I am not going to raise any expectations at this stage. This is going to be a difficult process of rebuilding the trust and confidence between Palestinians and Israelis,
I'd hoped we'd go to the summit having lifted the siege, having stopped the hostilities, having had the international inquiry so we can concentrate on what kind of transition we need between this period and back to the peace process,
If he wants to see the future generations of Palestinians and Israelis living in peace, what are the forces doing in the West Bank and Gaza?