Abu-Ghazaleh & Archbishop Hanna Voice Support for King Abdullah II’s Stance on Jerusalem

15 May 2019 AMMAN - HE Dr. Talal Abu-Ghazaleh received the Archbishop of Sebastia from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Palestine, Atallah Hanna. Both sides discussed the recent challenges facing Palestinian people, especially in Jerusalem.

During the meeting, which also highlighted the strong stance by His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Custodian of the Muslim and Christian Holy Sites in Jerusalem, both reassured the need to have a strong unified position, whether in Palestine or Jordan, to support the Hashemite leadership.

"His Majesty King Abdullah II once said that ‘Jerusalem is a red line. My position on it is unwavering, and all my people are with me,’” said Abu-Ghazaleh stressing “and yes we are”.

He added: “Jerusalem has always been, and will stay our cause. Despite the numerous challenges the city faced in the past and facing now, and will face in the future, we will always be the faithful sons and daughters of this holy place”.

"We would like to confirm that Jordanians and Palestinians, whether Muslims or Christians, strongly stand together behind His Majesty King Abdullah II when it comes to Jerusalem as the city will always be in our hearts," said Abu-Ghazaleh.

Archbishop Hanna commended the support by Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh, and his well-known stand against the aggression facing Palestinians, saying that the support of Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh has always been "a beacon to all" and an "inspiration to the Muslim and Christian communities everywhere."

"My meeting with Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh was based on his solid brotherly position and care for what is currently happening in Jerusalem, which has always been an issue of particular concern for all Arabs. Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh stressed the need to have a joint position against actions that target the Arab identity of Jerusalem," Archbishop Hanna said.

"We value the official and public Jordanian stand towards Jerusalem in defending this great city; Jerusalem will always be our first cause, whether here in Jordan or in Palestine," he added.

It is worth noting that Dr. Abu-Ghazaleh is considered a very good friend and supporter of the Christian community through his numerous initiatives. He has recently met with Pope Francis in Rome, and launched a global initiative aiming at bringing together joint values between Islam and Christianity, to be drafted within a 'Code of Ethics' directed at social, religious and legislative entities and organizations.