US Consul General expresses condolences over loss of Darwish

From the Ma'an News Agency:

Jerusalem – Ma'an – US Consul General Jacob Walles sent his condolences to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for the death of Mahmoud Darwish, who passed away on Saturday in the United States following open heart surgery.

Ma'an received a copy of the letter in Arabic.

The letter reads: “I console you for the loss of the great Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish whose death affected every Palestinian. He was always respected for his eloquence, and his poems communicated Palestinians’ grief and hopes to whole world. He dedicated his life to the Palestinian people and to the establishment of Palestinian state along with bringing peace to the region. I do realize that Palestinians lost a significant 'leader' with this death."

He added: “Darwish’s words will accompany us through our journey to remind us of our future hopes. We lost a dear friend but still we have his inspiration left. I hope you accept my condolence and I’m sad for your loss”.

With reverence,
Jacob Walles
US Consul General

Source: http://www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=31218

Palestinian Poet Mahmoud Darwish Dead at 67

By DIAA HADID, Associated Press Writer

Mahmoud Darwish, whose prose gave voice to the Palestinian experience of exile, occupation and infighting, died on Saturday in Houston. He was 67.

The predominant Palestinian poet, whose work has been translated into more than 20 languages and won numerous international awards, died following open heart surgery at a Houston hospital, said Nabil Abu Rdeneh, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Born to a large Muslim family in historical Palestine — now modern-day Israel — he emerged as a Palestinian cultural icon eloquently describing his people's struggle for independence while also criticizing both the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian leadership. He gave voice to the Palestinian dreams of statehood, crafted their declaration of independence and helped forge a Palestinian national identity.

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GW Parkway - Alexanderia, Virginia

GW Parkway Night2, originally uploaded by rabajoghli.

GW Parkway at night. Shot on my Holga camera. Exposed for 60 seconds.