Yasser Arafat, the champion of Palestinian statehood, died on Thursday 11th November, at his 75 in a military hospital in France.

As a world famous terrorist, the life of Arafat was full of controversy. While his own people in Palestine have responded to his death with deep sorrow and grief, world leaders and religious bodies around the world express their new hope for peace to be brought to war-torn Palestine.

U.S. President George Bush described Arafat's death as a “significant moment” in Palestinian history and expressed hope that the Palestinians would achieve statehood and peace with Israel.

“During the period of transition that is ahead, we urge all in the region and throughout the world to join in helping make progress toward these goals and toward the ultimate goal of peace,” he said.

“Yasser Arafat’s life stands for the varied and tragic history of the Palestinian people and the Middle East as a whole.” German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer said. “In it were reflected many people’s hopes for peace, but time and again also their disappointments and setbacks.”

Now, many politicians expect that the new peace talks with Israel will be rekindled.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) pointed out that the “long road” to Palestinian statehood was still far from complete. It was noted, “true justice embraces peace, security and hope for both Palestinians and Israelis.”

It was emphasised by the WCC that it remain committed to work in solidarity with the Palestinian people. The WCC is the largest inter-church body in the world and has consistently been at the forefront of ecumenical efforts to advance peace being brought to the people of the region.

The WCC issued a statement in respond to Arafat’s death. Here is the full text of the letter to the Prime Minister of Palestine Mr Ahmad Qurei’:


Your Excellency,

On the sad occasion of the death of President Yasser Arafat, we extend our condolences to the Palestinian people and to the leadership of the Palestinian Authority. We also ask God’s comfort for the members of his family in this time of deep grief.

President Arafat will be remembered for bringing the Palestinian people together and for his unique and tenacious contribution to the cause of establishing their national home.

We stand with the Churches of the Holy Land to honour his commitment to their place in the Palestinian society, its affairs and its future. President Arafat often made sure to mention the church as well as the mosque as core institutions of Palestinian national life. True to the customs of mutual respect among his diverse people, he celebrated Christmas with the churches of Bethlehem as circumstances permitted.

On his long road as a leader, Yasser Arafat came to the recognition that true justice embraces peace, security and hope for both Palestinians and Israelis. His path has now ended, amid the rocks and thorns of occupation, at a distance from the goal he sought. As he is laid to rest the world will see - from the location of his final resting place - how far the Palestinian people must still travel together.

In solidarity with the Palestinian people, the World Council of Churches will continue to work for human rights, sustainable livelihoods, medical care and basic freedoms, in the days and years that lie ahead and until there is peace.

Yours truly,

Peter Weiderud
Director
Commission of the Churches on International Affairs
World Council of Churches