Remarks by the President at the book launch: “Palestinians: Photographs of a Land and its People from 1839 to the Present Day”

New York – November 21, 2014

Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am pleased to participate in the release of this important body of work, which provides a valuable contribution to the activities in observance of the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.

I would also like to commend Ambassador Elias Sanbar for the launch of this amazing collection of photographs and his unwavering commitment to making the history of the Palestinian people known around world.

Esteemed Guests,

History is our living memory. “The Palestinians: Photographs of a Land and its People from 1839 to the Present Day” provides us with a moving set of images that provides us rare insight, as well as a unique opportunity for careful reflection on the Palestinian way of life.

As I paged through the book, I was again reminded of the rich history and culture of the Palestinian people. This book will preserve those legacies for generations to come.

It is also not lost on me that this memorable book, covering more than one and a half centuries of the historic journey of the Palestinian people, is being released on the margins of two important upcoming events:

• First, the special meeting in observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, which takes place on next week; and
• Second, the Pledging Conference for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which will be held on 3 December.

I call on Member States to participate in these upcoming events and to remain actively engaged on these important issues.

Indeed, now is the time that we, the international community, have a singular opportunity to demonstrate even greater solidarity with the Palestinian people.

I congratulate you, Ambassador Sanbar for this fine work and thank you all for your kind attention.