Amman – The “Eye on Jerusalem” program, aired on Jordanian television Monday, spotlighted Hashemite reconstruction initiatives in Jerusalem amidst the somber Christmas atmosphere prevailing in Palestinian territories. It also covered King Abdullah II’s meeting with Christian and Islamic leaders from Jerusalem and Jordan.
اضافة اعلان
According to the program's report from Jerusalem, for the second consecutive year, the Christmas tree in occupied Jerusalem was absent, with no decorations adorning the city. The holy city is overshadowed by sorrow due to the ongoing genocide waged by the occupation against civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.
The report stated that church leaders decided to limit Christmas celebrations in Palestine to prayers and religious rituals only. Jerusalemites emphasized that the occupation had extinguished the joy of Christmas for their children, who feel pain over the plight of Gaza's children facing death and starvation.
These somber circumstances have significantly impacted the stagnant commercial activity in Jerusalem, as the streets of the Old City remain deserted. In previous years, these markets were bustling with activity during the festive season, with streets adorned in Christmas decorations.
Despite these challenges, King Abdullah II, as he does annually, met with Christian and Islamic leaders from Jerusalem and Jordan at Al Husseiniya Palace in Amman.
The King extended his holiday greetings to Christians in Jordan, Palestine, and around the world, reaffirming Jordan’s support for the resilience of Palestinian brothers and sisters. He emphasized the Kingdom's ongoing historical role in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem under the Hashemite Custodianship.
The report highlighted that, in response to the challenges facing Christian and Islamic holy sites, the King initiated two grants from his personal funds to support the resilience of Muslims, Christians, and holy sites in Jerusalem. The grants included the establishment of the Orthodox International University at the Baptism Site and the gilding of historical ornaments in the Dome of the Rock.
Dr. Wasfi Kailani, Executive Director of the Hashemite Fund for the Restoration of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, stressed that the King’s insistence on meeting religious leaders despite the region’s hardships reflects his steadfast support for the people of Jerusalem, maintaining their holy sites under Hashemite Custodianship.
Kailani noted that the King informed the religious leaders of his diplomatic efforts concerning the Palestinian cause, while church leaders and the Jerusalem Waqf Council updated him on the status of the holy sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque.
He added that such meetings often address emerging issues in Jerusalem, finding solutions for challenges such as maintaining the status quo, empowering Christians, and strengthening the Waqf. The religious leaders utilize these opportunities to present pressing issues and seek the King's support for resolutions.
The presence of members of the Jerusalem Church Council carries significant importance, underscoring their resilience and commitment to Hashemite Custodianship. They highlighted the grim conditions facing churches, including diminishing Christian populations in Jerusalem and restricted access to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem.
Dr. Kailani also noted the ongoing siege on holy sites and their surroundings, their isolation due to declining numbers of Christian tourists and pilgrims, and the deteriorating situation of merchants in Christian Quarter areas like Khan Al-Zeit. He pointed to the increasing settler violations, including attacks on churches, related properties, and clergy.
He emphasized that King Abdullah II is the fifth monarch to hold the title of Custodian, and the churches increasingly rely on Hashemite Custodianship amidst escalating occupation pressures, seeking protection and unified Islamic-Christian positions to preserve the status quo in Jerusalem.
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