GAZA, November 11, 2006 (WAFA)-For nearly half a century, the late Leader Yasser Arafat was the symbol of Palestinian nationalism and a heroic freedom fighter who symbolized the national aspirations of the Palestinian people.

The old man Abu Rasheed Farouq 63, has been keeping a big portrait for the late leader Yasser Arafat in his house, where he often gazes at it as life becomes too difficult after two years of passing away the great leader.

" Two years elapsed on the passing away of Abu Ammar and I don't believe that, we always remember him and I do wish he is living with us. We need him", Abu Rasheed said.

Palestinians at home and in exile commemorate today the second anniversary of passing away the immortal leader who sacrifices himself for the sake of freedom and independence. His life was a continued history of struggle and strife that founded a new and modern history for Palestine.

"The Palestinian cause, through his period, becomes an international symbol for justice and peace", Abu Ahmad said.

Mohamme Khalaf, an academic at al-Azhar, said, as he was lightening a candle at the Anonymous Soldier Square in Gaza city, that "Arafat's body had gun but his spirit is living among us and he paved for us a way for freedom and establishment of an independent state. He was a historic leader, our teacher and a symbol of our national struggle".

Arafat, however, was a controversial and polarizing figure throughout his lengthy career and he wore his kaffiyeh in a unique fashion, draped over his shoulder in the shape of Palestine. His kaffiyeh becomes a tradition and a symbol for all Palestinians.

Faraj Abu Suhaib 38, said that " Arafat was the first advocate for peace in the region and he was always urging countries in the world to seriously advance towards the peace process. He lost his life because he adhered to peace and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people".

In fact, Arafat was a man who produced dignity, resilience, who himself lived a very austere life in parallel with the way many Palestinians live. He gave the Palestinian people hope and that is really the difficulty of losing him.

M.H.(10:35 P)(08:35 GMT)