AMMAN —
His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday
reaffirmed support for the steadfastness of Jerusalemites and their efforts to
preserve the Arab and Islamic identity of the holy city, underscoring
commitment to the Hashemite legacy of sacrifice to preserve Jerusalem’s holy
sites, according to a
Royal Court statement.
اضافة اعلان
Speaking at a meeting with
Jerusalem Islamic awqaf
representatives and church leaders at Al Husseiniya Palace, attended by His Royal Highness Crown
Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah, King Abdullah stressed the historical and
religious responsibility of safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in
Jerusalem, under the Hashemite Custodianship, rejecting any compromise over
Jerusalem and its holy sites.
For their
part, the attendees expressed appreciation of His Majesty’s positions in defence
of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and his efforts to promote
interfaith harmony, reiterating their commitment to the Hashemite Custodianship
and voicing best wishes to Jordanians on the occasion of their state’s
centennial.
Jerusalem Awqaf
Council President Abdul Azim Salhab conveyed the greetings of Jerusalemites to
the King and lauded the Hashemite tradition of safeguarding holy sites, urging
the Muslim nation to support His Majesty’s efforts.
Jerusalem
Awqaf Department Director Mohammad Azzam Khatib highlighted the importance of
the Hashemite Custodianship, describing it as a red line for Muslims and
Christians alike.
Khatib said
the Awqaf Department, in line with Royal directives, is carrying out its duties
towards worshippers at Al Aqsa Mosque despite all difficulties.
Jerusalem
Grand Mufti Mohammad Hussein said Jordan is the supporter of Jerusalem, voicing
the Palestinian people’s appreciation of His Majesty’s pivotal role as
Custodian of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, and commending the
King’s constant efforts to bring international and Arab attention towards
Jerusalem.
Patriarch
Theophilos III, patriarch of the Holy City and all Jordan and Palestine,
expressed appreciation for His Majesty’s efforts to preserve the historical
identity of Jerusalem and the Christian presence in it.
“Your
Majesty inherits and guards the Covenant of Omar ibn Al Khattab to our
predecessor Patriarch Sophronios with its 1,400 years of guardianship of the
rights of the churches,” he said.
“This is
the authentic example we have been living, under the Hashemite Custodianship in
Jerusalem and in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and is of great encouragement
and support to us, especially at a time when the Christian presence in the Holy
Land, so vital to the historic and peaceful coexistence within our region, is
facing new and serious challenges,” he added.
Archbishop
Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, said: “It is
important to reiterate the historical and actual role that the Hashemite House
plays for the city of Jerusalem, as a guarantor of the equality of all its
citizens, of all faiths, who have in their holy places, places of prayer, of
welcome, of peaceful encounter and not a battleground.”
“The Latin
Patriarchate of Jerusalem considers Your Majesty's strong voice as a call to
achieve justice and peace,” he added, noting that the King’s openness has
contributed to creating a community where Christians and Muslims are partners
in citizenship and destiny.
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