Amman: A seminar titled "Jerusalem Amid Current Developments" convened on Monday to delve into the challenges facing the holy city, examining its political and on-the-ground issues, alongside the influence of international and regional shifts on its future. The event also highlighted Jordan's role and Hashemite custodianship in safeguarding Muslim and Christian holy sites.
According to Jordan News Agency, participants emphasized that Jerusalem is not just a political matter but a religious, historical, and national cause. The necessity to preserve its Arab, Muslim, and Christian identity was underscored amid increasing Israeli violations, particularly following the conflict in Gaza. The seminar stressed Hashemite custodianship as a crucial element in protecting the holy sites and maintaining their identity, advocating for ongoing political, legal, and diplomatic efforts to counter attempts to change Jerusalem's identity and historical status.
The seminar, organized by the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts in collaboration with the Jordanian Writers and Literatures Union, was opened by union president poet Alyan Al-Adwan. He highlighted the significance of the festival's cultural and intellectual events, commended the festival administration for supporting culture and intellectuals, and welcomed the participation of prominent researchers and thinkers in addressing the Jerusalem issue.
The seminar featured four main sessions. In the first session, "Jerusalem: The Compass and the Key to a Solution," former minister Hazem Qashou discussed the city's significance as a symbol of Arab identity due to its religious, historical, and political importance. He noted that Jordan's ties to Jerusalem are deeply rooted in a historical and religious mission, with the Hashemites playing a longstanding role in defending its holy sites.
The second session, "Jerusalem, the Hashemites and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan," saw Mohammad Issa Al-Adwan, former director of the Hashemite Royal Jordanian Documentation Center, explore the historical relationship between Jordan and Jerusalem. He cited documents highlighting the city's profound importance to Jordanians and the Hashemites, referencing King Abdullah I's deep interest in the city, which ultimately led to his assassination there.
In the third session, "Jerusalem and International and Regional Developments," researcher and writer Jamal Al-Rifai addressed significant events, including the 1995 U.S. decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital. He discussed developments in the city since 1967, including measures targeting residents and landmarks and stressed the adherence to international law to resolve disputes peacefully.
The fourth session, "Escalating Israeli Attacks on Places of Worship and Worshippers in Jerusalem and the Role of Hashemite Custodianship in Protecting Holy Sites," was addressed by Abd Al-Ghani Hujeir. He detailed violations against holy sites in Jerusalem, highlighting increased Israeli incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque and attacks on Christian residents and places of worship. Hujeir emphasized Jordan's significant role in protecting these sites through diplomatic and legal actions.
Writer Sawsan Al-Muhtadi, moderating the seminar, highlighted the importance of a multidimensional approach in addressing the Jerusalem issue, combining political, historical, international, and regional perspectives. The seminar concluded with the union's president honoring the speakers with certificates of appreciation for their contributions to the discourse on Jerusalem.