The Yasser Arafat Foundation held a ceremony on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Yasser Arafat Museum in Ramallah to mark the first anniversary of the passing of Samih Ismail Sabateen (Abu Hisham). The event opened with the Palestinian national anthem, followed by a moment of silence in honor of Palestinian martyrs and the late Sabateen. It was attended by senior Palestinian officials, diplomats, and cultural and political figures.

Dr. Ahmad Soboh, Chairman of the Foundation, described Sabateen as a prominent figure in the Palestinian national movement who dedicated his life to public service, from his early involvement with Fatah alongside Yasser Arafat to his later role as advisor to President Mahmoud Abbas. He emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to preserving the Palestinian national narrative and honoring influential figures.

PLO Executive Committee Secretary Azzam Al-Ahmad highlighted Sabateen’s diplomatic and political contributions, including his service as ambassador to Bulgaria and Czechoslovakia and his efforts to strengthen international support for the Palestinian cause. He also noted his continued public service after returning to Palestine in 1994.

Fatah Central Committee Secretary Jibril Rajoub praised Sabateen as part of a generation that helped shape the Palestinian national struggle, stressing the importance of unity and continuing the legacy of early leaders. He also praised the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to honor influential national figures.

Speaking on behalf of the family, his son Dirar Sabateen expressed gratitude for the commemoration and highlighted his father’s lifelong political and diplomatic career, which included roles in security, diplomacy, and advisory positions to both Yasser Arafat and Mahmoud Abbas. Samih Sabateen was born in 1947 in Husan village and passed away in Ramallah on May 11, 2025.