Until Return - Issue 3

Palestinian Youth Network – Founding Conference
By Until Return Youth Correspondent
December 11, 2007

The founding conference of the Palestinian Youth Network was held in Paris, France from November 21 to November 30, 2007. Young Palestinians from all over the world came for the same purpose, to work together for justice, freedom, and the right to return to our homeland in Palestine.

Over 120 young Palestinians were expected to join the conference. However, due to visa difficulties only a 100 youth, coming from 28 countries around the world, met in France. We came from South and North America, Europe, Australia, the Arab World and both sides of the “Green Line” in Occupied Palestine.

During the 10 days of the conference we lived under one roof, waking up, talking, breathing and discussing Palestine. The schedule started every day from 8:30 am and we would take part in lectures, workshops, and discussion groups. The sessions ended by 9:00 pm every night.

This initiative gives Palestinian youth the chance to revitalize the 60 year-long Palestinian struggle and ensure that our voices are being heard and not marginalized; it is an opportunity for the world to know that the young generation has not forgotten Palestine and that we will devote ourselves to work for every single one of our rights, foremost of which is our right to return.

The experience was phenomenal and every single one of the participants added their own personal touch to the foundation of the network. The conference was concluded in the streets of Paris on the 29th of November to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people.

A copy of the final statement issued at the end of the conference is posted here

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