The Arab nation is currently witnessing the latest scene from the tragedy of the Palestinian Authority. I will not say the tragedy of the Palestinian issue, because whatever be the plight of the leadership, this vital issue will remain alive unto the last drop of Arab blood or the last Muslim breath.
In this bloody scene we see President Yasser Arafat confined to his headquarters and the Palestinian people captives of injustice and oppression. The houses of Palestinians have been burned and their bodies have been mutilated under the nose of the Islamic nations which stands like a mere spectator as if it were not moved by these appalling scenes and events.
What are we waiting for? Are we waiting for mass graves to be dug, fires to be lighted at our feet, allowing the destiny of our brethren to become that of the people of Ukhdood — the makers of the pit of fire in which they burned people for their faith? Are our enemies looking for a tragic end that will be added to the long list of our historical failures? Do we wish to leave for our descendants a legacy of disgrace, disappointment, weakness, shame and submission?
I believe strongly in the final victory of the Palestinians but this faith does not prevent us from carrying out our present responsibility to the people under siege — not only as governments but as people and individuals. The people of my generation which reached adulthood after the1973 war seem to have neglected or forgotten the whole issue. By forgetting the issue, however, we have actually forgotten ourselves.
As I look around, I cannot believe that I see an acceptance of submission, shame and disgrace that is all around us. Everyday we wake to news that shakes our feelings and we pray that it will be the last in the series of disgraceful events. But such events go on day after day; there is no end in sight. It seems that Arab consciousness is still in a state of deep slumber and I don’t know what troubles me more: The disgrace we suffer before others or before ourselves?
As a weak and inadequate expression of faith, I would like to suggest an idea. Perhaps it will be accepted by those among us who do not stretch out their hands to our Palestinian brothers and who do not even voice their support. I propose to my brothers and sisters all over the world that everyone of us make a Palestinian flag and attach it to our clothing every day in order to remind ourselves and all who see us of the Palestinian problem and suffering. By doing so, we declare "We will not forget Palestine" and we voice our support for our sisters and brothers there, even if it is not with our hands but at least with our minds and hearts.
We have to pin these flags not only on our clothes but also on our shops, offices, houses and everywhere. This will reaffirm our stand with our sisters and brothers until God brings us victory and points us a way out of our disgrace and disappointment. — Al-Madinah