I received the news of Faisal Al-Husseini’s death while packing to leave Kuwait. Only a few hours earlier we had heatedly debated strategies to oppose all efforts at normalizing relations with Israel. In fact, Husseini and other Arab intellectuals and leaders were in Kuwait in order to participate in a conference convened to discuss those efforts.
His death was a great shock to all as he was such a popular person, even in Kuwait where the names of Palestinian leaders evoked angry protests because of the PLO’s pro-Iraq stand at the time of the Iraqi invasion. Husseini possessed a rare personality and maintained a rational and just stance during the most trying situations in Palestinian history. He did not bargain, manipulate or unduly care for creating an image when he made decisions. Even when he came to Kuwait where he spent the last hours of his life, he was unwilling to budge from a position which he believed to be right and just.
He stressed two points in all his discussions whether in public or private meetings there. He reiterated his well-known and frank stand on Iraq’s attack on Kuwait. He found no difference between Iraq’s occupation of Kuwait and Israel’s occupation of Palestine. This was a view even most Palestinian leaders, who differed with Iraq, did not dare to articulare. His view was not in any way meant to flatter his hosts in Kuwait. It was what he genuinely believed.
Secondly, Husseini defended Arafat, who came under severe Kuwaiti criticism. He said that Arafat would visit Kuwait at the appropriate time. Then a Kuwaiti deputy said: “If he dares to visit Kuwait, we will welcome him with rotten eggs and spoiled potatoes.” Nevertheless, Husseini defended his leader like a loyal colleague in the Palestinian cabinet in which he held the portfolio for Jerusalem affairs. Several people believe that Husseini deserved, both historically and politically, a better position in the cabinet as he was superior to other Palestinian leaders. His merit and importance were not recognized in a fitting manner.
The Husseini family has become a symbol of Arab Jerusalem and its resistance to the occupation was carried on by Faisal Husseini. His leadership was particularly marked by moderation and logical thinking which are seldom found in emotionally-charged situations where people fail to think logically. He never took a decision or held a view that was not transparent. He always struggled to remain just while, unfortunately, other leaders believed it ethical to play some political games to satisfy the differing Arab camps with the aim of serving the Palestinian cause. Such leaders failed to realize that the issues of Palestine and Jerusalem, in fact, are very powerful and convincing and that they do not need any games to drum up total Arab and Muslim support.
Because of his moderate and reasonable stand, Husseini was welcome in any country. He helped all Palestinians hold their heads high.
