Vision and Mission

Mission and Goals:

The PRC, a subsidiary of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), aims to foster intellectual and cultural production related to the Palestinian cause, encompassing Arab, regional, and international issues. It achieves this through publications (books and specialized journals), conferences, seminars, and events. The center strives for a comprehensive, analytical, and critical understanding of the Palestinian issue, adhering to scientific methodology while maintaining independence in its research and planning, aligning with PLO policies but retaining its own operational autonomy. It emphasizes freedom of research, dialogue, and expression of diverse viewpoints.

Establishment and Early History (1965-1982):

Founded in Beirut in 1965, the PRC was a priority for the PLO executive committee under Ahmed Shukeiry. Early directors included Faiz As-Sayigh, Anis As-Sayigh, Mahmoud Darwish, and Sabry Jreis. The center played a crucial role in providing analysis and information to the PLO for political and media activities, conducting and publishing field research on the Palestinian cause. The center's role connecting cultural work with the national struggle led to Israeli attacks, culminating in the 1982 Israeli invasion of Beirut, where the center was destroyed, its archives looted, and its contents moved to unknown locations.

Recovery and Revival (1983-Present):

After negotiations and an exchange of prisoners, the PRC's archives were recovered in 1983 and transferred to Algiers, where they remained for over forty years. Revival efforts began with the relaunch of the journal Sha'un Filastiniyya (Palestinian Affairs) in 2011 under President Mahmoud Abbas's direction. In 2016, Abbas appointed Mohammad Shtayyeh to head the PRC's board of directors. In 2018, Montaser Jarar was appointed as the center's general manager. A 2024 decree by President Abbas reconstituted the board to 15 members, with Shtayyeh remaining president.

Current Structure and Activities:

The PRC currently comprises research departments focusing on Palestinian, Israeli, and international issues. Since its founding, it has produced over 1,000 books and journals, along with thousands of studies and policy papers. Key projects include the annual Palestinian Diaries (since 1965) and the quarterly Sha'un Filastiniyya. The PRC also boasts a large library specializing in the Palestinian cause, containing over 20,000 books in various languages, and an archive holding numerous documents and manuscripts related to the Palestinian issue.

In summary, the PRC has played, and continues to play, a significant role in documenting, researching, and analyzing the Palestinian cause. Its history reflects the ongoing political complexities of the region, showcasing resilience and a commitment to preserving Palestinian history and fostering intellectual discourse.