Dr. Kassem Aina: International solidarity must be mobilized, turning memory into a force for combat.
Flavio Ferrante: We are determined to work for justice for the victims of the massacre and to defend the Palestinian people.
Dr. Kamel Mohanna: Let us continue the struggle together for justice, human dignity, and the Palestinian cause.
In memory of the 41st anniversary of the Sabra and Chatila massacre, a delegation from the Italian “Do Not Forget Sabra and Chatila” committee, led by Flavio Ferrante and Mr. Bassam Saleh, along with dozens of activists supporting the Palestinian cause, visited the memorial exhibition launched last year by Amel Association International, in partnership with Beit Atfal Al-Samoud, at Amel development center in Haret Hreik. This exhibition, showcasing objects belonging to the victims of the massacre, included archives from Al-Safir newspaper, illustrations related to the events, as well as products from Palestinian heritage and a short documentary film. This exhibition could evolve into a mobile documentation center containing all available sources and documents on Sabra and Chatila massacre and the Palestinian issue as a whole. During the visit, a debate on ideas took place regarding ways to strengthen international solidarity with the Palestinian cause, particularly mobilizing in Europe to legally recognize the victims of the Nakba and all tragedies that have befallen the Palestinian people.
On this occasion, the delegation was welcomed by Kamel Mohanna, president of Amel Association International and general coordinator of the Lebanese and Arab NGOs Network, Kassem Aina, president of Beit Atfal Al-Samoud , Suleiman Bakhti, founder of Dar Nelson publishing house, Ahmed Bazoun, writer, as well as all Amel staff. Emphasizing that the Palestinian issue is among the just causes that any humanitarian commitment must defend, Dr. Kamel Mohanna recalled that the issue is not only about liberating the land of Palestine and its people but also about fighting injustice and any form of neocolonialism, and preserving human dignity. He added that the launch of the exhibition in solidarity with the victims of Sabra and Chatila massacre, as well as the efforts undertaken by the “Do Not Forget Sabra and Chatila” committee in partnership with Beit Atfal Al-Samoud and Amel Association International, falls within the framework of advocacy and on-the-ground engagement for the Palestinian cause. He called on those who wish to join this collective action and strengthen efforts to renew liberation movements, placing commitment at the heart of humanitarian work.
On his part, the representative of the “Do Not Forget Sabra and Chatila” committee, Flavio Ferrante, praised the commitment of Amel Association International and Beit Atfal Al-Samoud, which tirelessly work to bring justice to the victims of the massacre. He also emphasized that the committee will continue its commitment to the Palestinian cause and will work in partnership with Amel and Beit Atfal Al-Samoud to mobilize international public opinion, especially in Europe, and defend the rights of the Palestinian people. Finally, Dr. Kassem Aina stressed the need to translate solidarity with the victims of the massacre and with the entire Palestinian people into actions on the ground and to turn memory into a force for global solidarity. Feelings alone are not enough to liberate Palestine and achieve justice, and the voice of the Palestinians must be carried on all platforms and forums. The struggle must extend to all areas: every supportive activist is responsible, from their position, for informing the world about the Palestinian issue, mobilizing support for the right of return and all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, and working to pressure governments and decision-makers capable of bringing justice to the Palestinian people.
