The Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies (ACRPS) in collaboration with the University of Jordan (UJ), Institute for Palestine Studies (IPS) and Birzeit University held a conference at UJ titled: “Jerusalem: Realities, Confrontation Possibilities”.
Held on June 15 -17, the conference addressed a number of issues concerning Jerusalem politically, legally and demographically, covering social movements and contemporary changes.
The conference also covered the continued Israeli violations as Israel — which controls 87 per cent of the city’s eastern part — is waging a “demographic war” by Judaising the eastern part of the city.
The conference also focused on Israel’s dismantling of the city’s urban and social fabric by building illegal settlements and isolating it from the West Bank by using a separation wall.
On its first day, the conference held four sessions introduced by top researchers discussing American policies towards Jerusalem, Jerusalem in international law, European policies, the city itself and settlements, in addition to the international media’s coverage of the city.
During the second day, topics covered various aspects of Jerusalem, including political and legal issues, demography and social movements, as well as contemporary changes.
One session of the conference included research addressing the repercussions of the US’ decision to relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to occupied Jerusalem. The paper was presented by Ahmad Azm from Political Sciences at Birzeit University.
During another session, Secretary General of the Royal Committee for Jerusalem Affairs Abdullah Kanaan spoke about Jordanian policy and Hashemite Custodianship over Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
Osama Abu Irsheid, researcher at ACRPS, also presented a paper about US policy on Jerusalem and its various stages, as well as the variable political frameworks adopted by successive US administrations.
The participants called for comprehensive strategies to enhance knowledge on Jerusalem and fortify its community.