My Meeting with Yasser Arafat

Yitzhak Frankenthal - In 1994, following the abduction and murder of 19 year old Arik Frankenthal by Hammas terrorists, his father Yitzhak founded the Parents Circle - an organization of bereaved parents who have lost their children to terrorism. He calls on the Israeli right wing to make peace rather than cause more deaths for the sake of the occupation. He was Executive Director of the OzVeshalom/ Netivei Shalom peace movement in Israel from 1995 to 1998, and for his work for peace, he received the 'International Activist Award' from the Gleitsman Foundation. He is currently engaged in organizing a massive publicity campaign to popularize peace values in both Israeli and Palestinian society.

Yesterday (May 14, 2002) I went to visit Arafat at his headquarters in Ramallah. During the past eight years since the murder of my son Arik, I have been looking for any opportunity to advance reconciliation and peace between our peoples. In the past year and a half, many have tried to make Arafat irrelevant, and demanded of him to overcome his opponents at home, and those who oppose peace with Israel and engage in armed actions. It is absurd to claim that he is irrelevant on the one hand, and to make demands on him that he act in Israel's security on the other. This absurdity is taking a huge toll in human life, on both sides.

I went to him to help pass a message along to the Israeli public, to assist those who are willing to stand up to Sharon's unbalanced policies. Sharon's government is unwilling to talk to Arafat, and calls him irrelevant, and one of the consequences is that we have an atmosphere of unrestrained violence in which rivers of blood are spilt.

It was important to me to hear about what happened during the peace negotiations, and what his position on the Clinton Plan was. He said that he agreed to the Clinton Plan, but on condition that the Palestinians receive sovereignty over the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif. He has not problem that the Western Wall, and Jewish Quarter, and part of the Armenian Quarter will be under Israeli sovereignty, but without control over the Temple Mount, he cannot make peace.

When Israelis hear that there is 'no partner for peace,' it is important to give a hearing to the other voices, those of a real partner for peace.

The meeting with Arafat was made on a day's notice. It was important to have the meeting, following the Israeli military operation, and before the outbreak of a fresh wave of hatred that could start at any moment. We all need to do everything we can to stop further bloodshed.

When I asked for permission to enter Ramallah from the Ministry of Defense, I was told that the commanding general in charge of this area was worried about my safety if I was permitted to go. I told them, that since the Palestinian security forces would be protecting me, I will take responsibility for myself and enter Ramallah on my own, and this is what I did.

I realize that this is a violation of the law, and I'm aware of the price that might have to be paid ? facing police charges for violating a military order. It is sad, since my organization has always been careful to operate within the confines of the law. But there are moments in life when a person must act in accordance with his conscience and integrity, provided the following is adhered to: not to hurt anyone else, and not to encourage others to violate the law.

My visit to Ramallah received much press, ensuring that the message of peace was heard from Arafat. The major daily press reported it, the radio news broadcast details of the meeting, and I was interviewed on television. On one of the news websites that placed this news item on the front page, more than 195 comments were posted in response, much of them filled with crazed hate. But many others were in support. I am not alone is supporting this basic message: Sharon and Arafat must sit down with each other and try to reach agreement.

Since 1994 (when my son was killed by Hamas) I have been working only for one thing; that the tragedy suffered by me and my family should not happen to others. If visits such as mine can contribute to peace in any way, then I shall continue on this path.

Frankenthal's late son, left.
From the Bereaved Families Forum - 5/14/2002