Palestinians held a ceremony in Ramallah today to officially launch off their campaign for statehood.
At Thursday’s ceremony, some 100 Palestinian officials and activists gathered at the U.N. offices in Ramallah for a short ceremony, where they spelled out their plans in an informal letter addressed to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.
“We urge you to add your moral voice in support of the Palestinian people enjoying a life of freedom and dignity, like the rest of the people of the world,” the letter says.
The letter was delivered by Latifa Abu Hmeid, a 70-year-old woman who lost one son in fighting with Israel and has seven other sons in Israeli prisons because of alleged militant activities. Officials said Abu Hmeid was selected to deliver the document because her personal story reflects the plight of the Palestinians.
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The program will be capped by mass demonstrations throughout the area on Sept. 21, when the U.N. General Assembly opens, and Sept. 23, when Abbas delivers his speech seeking recognition as the 194th member of the world body.
