By Lea Chichmanian | Campus Reporter
On Wednesday March 6, University of Seniors hosted a discussion titled “Jerusalem: City of All Desires” at the American University of Beirut. The discussion was led by Mrs. Leila El Amad Bissat, member of UOS as well as AUB graduate in sociology Anthropology. Mrs. Bissat has established a children’s book store as well as educational center l’Arche de Noé which fashions cultural activities for the youth. She is an active member of the Baalbeck International festival as well as the Zaki Nassif Music program in AUB. Her paternal kin all reside in Jerusalem amidst the several threats, though her father, Jerusalemite and AUBite, was studying in Beirut during the Nakba and eventually married and settled here. The talk felt like a stroll in the midst of Jerusalem, dismantling religious places of worship, history and traditions as well as Palestinians’ lives under occupation and the festered Israeli propaganda.
Mrs. Bissan first highlighted that Palestinians lacked a predominant right; keeping hold of an Identity Card. The card may be withheld if the 6-month limit beyond Jerusalem borders is breached. As such, they do not possess the freedom to leave Jerusalem under any circumstance. At court, Palestinians remain at a disadvantage, as Israelis would garner leverage from the outset. Israelis would thus employ staff against Palestinian might, as Lawyers would most probably be Israeli as well. Justice is therefore perished and morphed into an ornamental façade. Palestinians also lack the rights to construction permits, so any establishment without one would be destroyed.
However, amidst all of the oppression, Jerusalem still thrived with remarkable religious inheritance and glorious landmarks. Bazaars were still buzzing with life, selling all kinds of clothing, pharmaceuticals, etc. Schools were situated close by, accommodating the youth and granting education to many. During Easter, masses are held in the Church of the Resurrection and its surrounding Capellas, each endowed to a separate church and rights to a partial ownership of the most magnificent Vasilica. Christian and Muslim youth parade around the streets to and fro the opening of the Resurrection Church. Amid the old city, on top of one of the olden houses, a monument of the late historian Albert Agazarian stands atop proudly and serves as a waypoint to an especially striking view, where significant mosques and churches stretch into view. Not far from the church, The Mount of Olives accommodates several religious landmarks attesting to its prominence to Christian and Muslim beliefs. In Christianity, it is best known as the whereabouts of Jesus’ arrest, where he was found praying where the Church of All Nations is currently located before being found by Judas. In Islam, it is referred to as the Mount of Zaitoun, and is the site from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey. Despite everything, while on this stunning escapade, one might take note of Israeli policemen and cameras scrutinizing passerby shrouded around the city.
Mrs. Bissan shed light on the beauty of Jerusalem whilst highlighting the disparity of the people’s treatment. Adorned with traditional Palestinian clothing and a keen demeanor, she served as a captivating spokesperson of her heritage.