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The Question of Jerusalem
Contents:
The conflict over the status of Jerusalem is often cited as the most sensitive, central and emotive of the conflicts shaking the Middle East region as a whole. While discussion in the current peace process as to the Holy City's future had long been postponed at Israel's insistence, Palestinians in the annexed city continued to suffer the daily abuse of occupation in the form of Israeli discriminatory practices against them. Being located in East Jerusalem, PASSIA experiences first-hand the impact of these policies on the city’s Palestinian sector.
This is one of the reasons why Jerusalem has always been and will continue to be a primary focus of PASSIA's activities. Since its establishment, PASSIA has provided a forum for dialogue and hosted workshops on the various aspects of and perspectives on the city and its future, involving people of various backgrounds, including local and foreign scholars, representatives from the three monotheistic religions, members of all Palestinian political factions and schools of thought, Israeli academics and political figures, and representatives from the diplomatic corps. Besides hosting meetings, PASSIA’s projects on Jerusalem include research, documentation, publication and cooperation with other institutions to increase both awareness and knowledge concerning the various aspects of the Holy City.
Building on its longstanding and extensive involvement in the question of Jerusalem and its past experience in holding seminars, PASSIA agreed to organize and host a two-day seminar on Jerusalem for a visiting study group from World Council of Churches member churches in the US.
The purpose of the program presented here is to substantiate and develop the knowledge of the participants as to the components and daily implications of what makes up the Jerusalem Question, and to allow for an open and informed debate on the current and future issues affecting the disputed city. ProgramDAY ONE: Monday, 10 July 2000 10.45-11.00 Break 11.00-12.30 Legal Aspects and Socioeconomic Realities Usama Halabi, Lawyer, Jerusalem 12.30-13.30 Lunch 13.30-15.00 Jerusalem: An Islamic Perspective Dr. Mustafa Abu Sway, Lecturer in Islamic Studies and Philosophy, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem 15.00-15.15 Break 15.15-16.45 Summing Up Day One - Discussion with the Participants with Adnan Husseini, Director of Islamic Waqf; Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi, Head of PASSIA, Walid Al-Assali, Attorney, Jerusalem DAY TWO: Tuesday, 11 July 2000 10.45-11.00 Break 11.00-12.30 Jerusalem: A Christian Perspective Father Maroum Laham, Rector, Latin Patriarchate Seminary, Jerusalem 12.30-13.30 Lunch 13.30-15.00 Palestinian Views on Jerusalem Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi, Head of PASSIA, Jerusalem 15.00-15.15 Break 15.15-16.45 Final Discussion - Conclusion
Study Group (WCC member Churches in the US): Ruth Allen Michelle Curtis Wylin Dassie Library worker Presbyterian Church (USA), CA Kawi
Mailutha Hannah
Merriman Jodie
Mueller Kathryn
Olsen Nick
Reith Vance
Robbins Traci
Scheuermann Casey
Thompson Ana
Toledo World Council of Churches (WCC): Salpy
Eskidjian Paulette
Mixon Sara
Speicher |
