A number of Arabic-speaking poets who had taken part in the 3rd International Conference on the Holy Quds and Support for the Palestinian People's Rights, held in Tehran April 14-16, had a cordial meeting with the Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei on Sunday, April 16.
In an address to the audience, the Leader referred to the objective of the meeting as displaying reverence for the Holy Quds through the expression of feelings and warm emotions. He also called for greater attention on the part of Arab poets to the issue of Palestine.
"In the early years after the occupation of Palestine, remarkable poems were composed about this historic oppression. But in recent years, despite the high status of poetry in the Arabic language, eloquent Arabic poems about the Intifada and other significant events related to the issue of Palestine have not been composed so often," the Leader pointed out.
Hinting at the great injustice that is being done to the Palestinian people today and the appalling scenes shown on television that are only a small part of the realities of Palestine, Ayatollah Khamenei stated that poets are expected to translate such horrible events into poetry, so that future generations may realize what has been done to the oppressed nation of Palestine.
The Leader of the Islamic Republic also underlined the important role and high status of committed poets in the history of Islam and stressed the need to duly commemorate these poets.
After the Leader's statements, a number of poets recited their poems, which mostly dealt with the Holy Quds and the oppression and suffering undergone by the Palestinian nation.
At the end of the meeting, the participants in the gathering said their evening and night prayers, which were led by Ayatollah Khamenei.