Arafat’s UN Speech

In November 1974, Yasser Arafat, chairman of the PLO, was invited to address the United Nations General Assembly. He concluded his famous speech with the following:

“Today, I have come bearing an olive branch and a freedom fighter’s gun. Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand. I repeat: Do not let the olive branch fall from my hand.”

His statement signified his desire for peace while maintaining the right to fight for Palestinian liberation.