Ashraf AboArafe
THE General Secretariat of the League of Arab States organized the annual event commemorating Arab Document Day for 2026 under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Nabil Fahmy, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The event was held in coordination with the Arab Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ARABICA), with the participation of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), members of ARABICA, heads of Arab archive and document institutions, a distinguished elite of Arab archivists and documentalists, as well as permanent representatives and delegates of the Arab member states to the League.
The selection of the theme, “The Palestinian National Archive: Memory Under Occupation… From Erasure to Preservation,” reaffirms the centrality of the Palestinian cause to the Arab nation. It shines a light on the systematic targeting of Palestinian memory in light of ongoing violations and practices by the Israeli occupation aimed at erasing Palestinian identity, obliterating its civilizational landmarks, and stealing or falsifying historical facts. Furthermore, it underscores the paramount importance of safeguarding Palestinian documentary and cultural heritage.
The activities of Arab Document Day featured a documentary exhibition titled “Palestine in Arab Documents,” showcasing reproductions of documents concerning Palestine held by Arab archive and document institutions that are members of ARABICA. The event also witnessed the honor and recognition of Palestinian institutions and figures who have made distinguished contributions to preserving Palestinian memory, alongside honoring the League of Arab States for its prominent role in supporting the Palestinian cause since its founding and preserving Arab documentary memory, an honor presented by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).
The program included a panel discussion titled “Palestine in Arab Documentary Memory,” which addressed the role of the League of Arab States in preserving Palestinian documentary memory, ongoing efforts to preserve and provide access to Palestinian heritage within joint Arab action, the role of archival institutions in documenting Arab states’ stances on the Palestinian cause, and the protection of Palestinian national memory from annihilation (with Gaza as a model).
It is worth noting that the expanded edition of the book “Palestine in Arab Documents” was launched during the event. This publication contains a vast collection of documents available across Arab archive and document institutions concerning Palestine, produced in cooperation with the Egyptian National Archives.
Additionally, the commemoration of Arab Document Day 2026 marks a quarter of a century since the inception of this initiative, which was established by ALECSO in the year 2001.
