Yasser Arafat

NAME: Yasser Arafat

WHAT FAMOUS FOR: Yasser Arafat was a Palestinian political leader, revolutionary, and the founder of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). He played a significant role in advocating for the Palestinian cause and seeking a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

BIRTH: Born on  August 24, 1929 (approximate) in Cairo, Egypt.

FAMILY BACKGROUND: His father was Abdel Raouf al-Qudwa al-Husseini, a textile merchant, his mother died when Arafat was young.

Arafat's family belonged to Palestinian descent, with roots in Jerusalem. The Arafat family had a history deeply connected to the Palestinian territories.

CHILDHOOD: Arafat spent his early years in Cairo, but the Nakba in 1948, the mass displacement of Palestinians, deeply affected his family and fueled his commitment to the Palestinian cause.

EDUCATION: He studied civil engineering at Cairo University and later moved to Kuwait, where he continued his studies. Arafat was active in student politics, embracing Arab nationalism and anti-Zionist ideas.

CAREER RECORD: Arafat's political career began with the co-founding of the Fatah in 1969, a Palestinian nationalist movement advocating armed struggle.

Became Chairman of the PLO in 1969, leading it to international recognition.

Oversaw the PLO's shift from armed resistance to peace negotiations in the 1990s. He served as the PLO's chairman until his death.

Signed the Oslo Accords with Israel in 1993, leading to the creation of the Palestinian National Authority.

APPEARANCE: Yasser Arafat had a stocky figure. He was known for his distinctive appearance, often seen wearing a keffiyeh, the traditional Palestinian headscarf, and military-style uniforms.

Arafat By Gideon Markowiz / Photographer: Israel Press and Photo Agency (I.P.P.A.) Wikipedia

FASHION: Arafat's style was characterized by his military attire, reflecting his role as a revolutionary leader. His choice of clothing became an iconic symbol of Palestinian resistance.

CHARACTER: A complex and controversial figure, Arafat was seen by some as a determined leader and by others as a ruthless pragmatist. He was known for his charisma, oratory skills, political savvy and ability to navigate complex diplomatic situations.

SENSE OF HUMOUR: While his public image was often serious and stern, Arafat was said to have a subtle sense of humor, revealed mostly in private interactions with close associates.

RELATIONSHIPS: Arafat's relationships were complex, marked by both alliances and conflicts with various regional and international leaders. He maintained a delicate balance in navigating the diverse factions within the Palestinian political landscape.

Arafat secretly married Suha Daoud Tawil on July 17, 1990, when she was aged 27 and he was 61. Their relationship was kept under wraps for several years. 

Suha, who hailed from an affluent Palestinian Christian family, converted to Sunni Islam upon marriage. 

Their only child, daughter Zahwa, was born on July 24, 1995 in a Paris hospital. Zahwa was named after Arafat's mother.

Suha Arafat remained a controversial figure throughout her marriage.  Some saw her as a glamorous and enigmatic companion to the Palestinian leader, while others criticized her perceived influence and  lavish lifestyle, which some felt contrasted with the struggles of the Palestinian people.

After Arafat's death in 2004, Suha became embroiled in legal battles concerning his estate. She currently resides abroad.

MONEY AND FAME: Arafat's fame and influence grew globally, but financial controversies surrounded him, including allegations of corruption within the PLO. His financial affairs remained a subject of debate and investigation.

Arafat lived a relatively modest lifestyle despite accusations of financial mismanagement.

Arafat became a global icon of Palestinian aspirations.

FOOD AND DRINK: Arafat was known to enjoy traditional Palestinian cuisine, with dishes like falafel, hummus, and kebabs. He also had a penchant for strong Arabic coffee.

MUSIC AND ARTS:  His affinity for traditional Palestinian music and art reflected his commitment to preserving Palestinian culture and heritage.

Arafat was reportedly a huge Tom and Jerry fan. He would make guests wait if they interrupted him watching an episode until it had finished.

LITERATURE: Arafat appreciated literature that celebrated the Palestinian struggle, and he himself became a symbol in Palestinian poetry and prose.

NATURE: Arafat had a deep connection to the Palestinian landscape, emphasizing the importance of the land in the Palestinian identity and struggle.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS: His busy political life left little time for hobbies, but he had a fondness for horse riding, a passion he shared with his wife, Suha. arafat also enjoyed reading and political discussions

SCIENCE AND MATHS: Although educated as a civil engineer, Arafat's focus shifted primarily to political and military matters.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY: Arafat's political philosophy centered on Palestinian self-determination and resistance. His worldview was deeply influenced by the struggle for independence and justice.

In 1988, a historic event unfolded in Algiers. On November 15th, the Palestinian National Council (PNC) met and officially declared Palestinian independence. This declaration, authored by the renowned Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish, held particular significance. It outlined the vision for an independent "State of Palestine" that would encompass all Palestinians, regardless of their current location.  Following the declaration's reading, Yasser Arafat, then Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), donned the new title of "President of Palestine."

SCANDAL: Arafat faced controversies, including accusations of corruption and links to terrorism. However, his leadership style and contributions to the Palestinian cause remained widely acknowledged.

MILITARY RECORD: Arafat led the PLO in armed resistance against Israel, making him a key figure in the military aspect of the Palestinian struggle.

As Chairman of the PLO, Yasser Arafat took a significant step before the Oslo Accords. He signed two official letters renouncing violence and recognizing the State of Israel. In exchange, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin reciprocated with formal recognition of the PLO.  This shift towards diplomacy was acknowledged internationally. In 1994, Arafat, Rabin, and Shimon Peres were jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of their efforts to bring about peace in the Middle East.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS: Arafat's health deteriorated in his later years, leading to speculation and rumors. He was flown to Paris for medical treatment, where he died in 2004.

HOMES: Throughout his life, Arafat's residence shifted between various Arab countries, reflecting the tumultuous nature of his political career.

TRAVEL: Arafat traveled extensively for diplomatic efforts, seeking support for the Palestinian cause and addressing international forums.

DEATH: Yasser Arafat died on November 11, 2004, in Paris, France  aged 75. He passed away from a massive hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident (hemorrhagic stroke). His funeral took place the next day, in Cairo, Egypt.  Following the official funeral service in Cairo, Arafat's body was flown to the West Bank, where he was buried in the courtyard of the Muqataa compound in Ramallah, the headquarters of the Palestinian Authority.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA: Arafat's life and political career were extensively covered in the media. Documentaries, books, and films have been produced to explore his role in the Palestinian struggle and his impact on the broader Middle East.

Arafat was a frequent figure in news coverage due to his leadership of the PLO and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions.

ACHIEVEMENTS: Arafat's most significant achievement was his role in establishing the PLO and advocating for Palestinian rights on the international stage. Despite the challenges and controversies, he remains a symbol of Palestinian resistance and statehood aspirations.