PLO Delegation to US Mourns Passing of Bishop Hilarion Capucci

Ambassador Maen Rashid Areikat and the General Delegation of the PLO to the US express their deep sadness and mourn with a heavy heart the passing of Bishop Hilarion Capucci, who died early Sunday January 1st, 2017.

Bishop Capucci, the “Jerusalem Martyr” was a Syrian Catholic bishop who fought for Palestinian rights throughout his term as archbishop. In 1974, he contributed to fighting against the occupation in the West Bank until he was captured and sentenced to 12 years in prison. Upon his release 4 years into his prison sentence, due to Vatican intervention, he continued his struggle against the forces of prejudice. During the Iran hostage crisis in 1979, Capucci negotiated the release of the American prisoners, and in 2009 and 2010, he set sail from Lebanon on a ship bound to Gaza to help end the blockade, but the ship was seized by Israeli forces and raided.

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On this very sad day, we mourn the loss of the “Bishop of Jerusalem” as he was honored by the Palestinians after his exile. This Honor was presented to him to thank him for all his efforts throughout the years in support of the Arab causes and especially the Palestinian cause. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family once they are finalized.

PLO Delegation Commemorates 52nd Anniversary of Palestinian Revolution

The General Delegation of the PLO to the United States joins the Palestinian people in Palestine and the Diaspora in commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the Palestinian Revolution. On January 1, 1965, the Palestinian revolution was launched as a voice for all Palestinians who suffered exile and occupation after the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 and after the occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza strip in 1967.

On this day, Palestinians stood hand in hand and pledged to put an end to the occupation that was tearing at the fabric of our society. Today, Israel continues its occupation of Palestine and has exacerbated its illegal policies in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.

As we commemorate this occasion, the General Delegation of the PLO to the United States commends the Palestinian people for their steadfastness and unwavering commitment not only to their land, but also to their inalienable rights to independence and self-determination. No occupying power will manage to break our deep ties to our land and we will ceaselessly continue our efforts toward the creation of an independent Palestine.