Sorrow at the passing of Palestinian negotiator and politician Saeb Erekat

The village of Wahat al-Salam / Neve Shalom sends deep condolences to the Erekat family, to the entire Palestinian people, and to all seekers of peace in the region.

Dr. Saeb Erekat passed away without being able to see the day when the state of Palestine will be liberated, the objective to which he devoted most of his life. With rare courage, wisdom and determination, Erekat sought to promote peace, dialogue and direct negotiations with Israel.

On his visit to Wahat al-Salam / Neve Shalom in 2007, he said that “both sides understand now, that this is a zero-sum game, which means that there will be either two winners… or two losers."

Throughout the years, Dr. Erekat continued to send us messages of support and encouragement on behalf of the Palestinian Authority.

Yesterday the accursed corona disease subdued his body after a long and stubborn struggle. With his departure, Palestinian and Israeli peace-seekers lost a stanchion, a key figure, a man of vision and faith, a pursuer of justice and peace.

In these difficult days, when our dream of achieving peace and justice needs every voice and every supportive hand, we will continue in the footsteps of this leader. We will look for more and more partners and will never give up along the way.

May his memory be blessed,

Anwar Dawood for the Municipal Society and
members of the village of Wahat al-Salam / Neve Shalom

(Photo at top: visit to the village in 2007 photo by WASNS Communication and Development Office)