Strengthening the Cultural Identity of Jerusalem
On June 22, 2026, a significant conference focused on the preservation of the historical, cultural, and spiritual identity of Jerusalem took place at the Academy of the Kingdom in Rabat. This event brought together political leaders, academics, and media representatives from the Arab and Muslim worlds to discuss the importance of enhancing advocacy for the holy city of Al-Quds. Central to the discussions were themes surrounding the safeguarding of its rich identity, and the promotion of dialogue and coexistence among different faiths.
Rabat, recently designated as the Arab Capital of Information for 2026 by the Council of Arab Information Ministers of the Arab League, served as the venue for this important gathering. The conference was inaugurated by Abdeljalil Lahjomri, the permanent secretary of the Academy of the Kingdom of Morocco, alongside Mehdi Bensaïd, the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication. During his address, Bensaïd urged Arab and Muslim media to amplify their efforts in raising awareness of the historical and civilizational symbols of Al-Quds, highlighting its role as a meeting place for religions and a model of coexistence, dialogue, and fraternity.
Advocating for Palestinian Rights
The event, organized by the Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency, part of the Al-Quds Committee chaired by King Mohammed VI, emphasized the importance of collective action in defense of the Palestinian cause, which Morocco sees as a national priority second only to the preservation of its territorial integrity. In his opening speech, Lahjomri described Al-Quds as a "city of law and peace," representing a universal heritage and a living memory of Arab-Islamic civilization. He referenced the Al-Quds Appeal, signed in Rabat on March 30, 2019, by King Mohammed VI and Pope Francis, which elevates the holy city to a common heritage of humanity and a symbol of peaceful coexistence among the followers of the three monotheistic religions based on mutual respect and dialogue.
Among the distinguished speakers was Mohamed Salem Cherkaoui, the director in charge of managing the Bayt Mal Al-Qods Acharif Agency, who elaborated on the agency's actions in support of the residents of Al-Quds. He reiterated Morocco's stance on the Palestinian cause, asserting its significance for the Kingdom. Additionally, Ahmed Assaf, the Palestinian Minister for Official Information, shared a Palestinian adage stating that "war begins in Al-Quds and peace begins in Al-Quds," condemning Israel for its ongoing occupation and policies aimed at the Judaization of Palestinian territories, citing various United Nations resolutions. He affirmed, "Al-Quds is the capital of the Palestinian state and it will remain Arab and Muslim."
Moreover, Ahmed Rachid El Khatabi, a representative of the League of Arab States, indicated that the purpose of the conference was to develop a new narrative capable of persuading the international community through media discourse grounded in the values of coexistence, tolerance, and interfaith dialogue. The information officer of the Arab League emphasized that Al-Quds remains a unique land that hosts the three monotheistic religions. He expressed hope that the outcomes of this conference would culminate in a strategic document aimed at the international community, reaffirming these principles and values in service of the cause of Al-Quds.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
