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2009-03-11

In the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement a street in Ramallah was named after the Movement’s founder "Henry Dunant"

Ramallah's municipality celebrated on 9 March 2009 the naming of one of its streets after the founder of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which was established in 1859.

Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) President Dr. Younis Al-Khatib listed Dunant's major achievements and his role in the establishment of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its humanitarian contributions. He added, "As we celebrate this occasion of the 40th anniversary of PRCS, we will continue to follow the humanitarian principles that were first founded by Dunant."

Mme. Christine Beerli, International Committee of the Red Cross Vise-President, expressed her pleasure and honor to be present for this occasion.

Moreover, Mayor of Ramallah's Municipality Mrs. Janette Michael stated, “Here in Palestine, we are greatly moved by Dunant's beliefs. More than 100 years have passed, and we are still bleeding, and our people have been displaced many times, and tens of thousands have been imprisoned, and we are still bleeding and suffering up until this moment."

Mrs. Michael continued, “We are at the threshold of celebrating the 150th anniversary of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the 100th anniversary of Ramallah's municipality." She added, "We are proud of our accomplishments, and honoring this man is also an honor for each employee, volunteer, and follower of the thoughts and beliefs of the International Red Cross and the Red Crescent Movement. We are pleased that the name of Henry Dunant will always remain in the hearts and minds of Palestinians.”

At the end of her speech, Mrs. Michael expressed her deepest appreciation to the Naming and Numbering Committee and to the events' funders who are the Palestinian Investment Fund and two Palestinians Bassem Hishmeh and Yaqoub Zayed, now living abroad.

The Vice President of Ramallah's Municipality Ahmad Abu Laban explained that naming this Ramallah street, which branches out from Batn El Hawa's main street, is a part of the Streets and Neighborhoods Naming and Numbering Project, which is supervised by a committee from the local community.