Al-Israa University Organizes Scientific Symposium Titled "Media Professionals for Jerusalem"

The Faculty of Humanities at Al-Israa University organized a scientific symposium titled "Media Professionals for Jerusalem" on Saturday, coinciding with the anniversary of Al-Israa and Al-Mi'raj (the Night Journey and Ascension). The event was held at the university's main campus in Al-Zahra City, amid escalating Israeli aggression against Jerusalem and its blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque. Attendees Included: Sheikh Dr. Yousef Jumaa Salama, Preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque and First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem Dr. Alaa Matar, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Asmaa Al-Shaqaqi, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities Mr. Ahmed Al-Agha, Head of the Journalism, Communication, and IT Department Faculty members and a large gathering of university students Key Speeches and Discussions 1. Jerusalem: A Central Cause for Al-Israa University Dr. Alaa Matar emphasized that Al-Israa University gives special attention to Jerusalem as a humanitarian, Islamic, Arab, and Palestinian issue of justice. He stressed that current efforts to support occupied Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque remain insufficient, calling for greater collaboration among media, academic, and civil institutions to revive Jerusalem’s significance in the Arab, Islamic, and global consciousness. He highlighted Israel’s systematic attempts to Judaize Jerusalem, severing its Islamic, Arab, and Palestinian identity through demolitions, forced displacement, and falsification of history. 2. The Role of Media in Defending Jerusalem Dr. Asmaa Al-Shaqaqi explained that the symposium aimed to: ✔ Reaffirm Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa’s sanctity ✔ Enhance students’ awareness of Jerusalem’s plight ✔ Explore optimal media coverage strategies for Jerusalem’s issues She urged students to engage in extracurricular activities to broaden their knowledge and refine their skills for future careers. 3. Sheikh Dr. Yousef Salama’s Keynote Address The Al-Aqsa preacher focused on three main themes: Jerusalem’s Islamic Identity – Reiterating its eternal connection to Islam. Media Students’ Responsibility – Using journalism to defend Muslims’ rights to the holy city. Lessons from Al-Israa and Al-Mi’raj – Drawing inspiration for contemporary Islamic struggles. He condemned Israel’s escalating crimes in Jerusalem, including: Home demolitions (Sheikh Jarrah, Silwan, Al-Issawiya) Land confiscation and Judaization Attacks on Islamic and Arab heritage (e.g., altering school curricula, desecrating cemeteries) Dr. Salama urged Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian media professionals to: Refine their discourse to match Jerusalem’s grave challenges. Leverage social media to expose Israeli crimes (citing Muna and Mohammed Al-Kurd’s activism in Sheikh Jarrah). Reject Zionist terminology (e.g., "Al-Aqsa" not "Temple Mount," "Palestine" not "Promised Land"). Call to Academic Institutions He called on Palestinian universities to: Integrate Jerusalem-focused courses into curricula. Train English-speaking students to advocate for Jerusalem globally. Closing Ceremony Sheikh Salama gifted the university copies of his books, including: "Palestine: The Land and Its Status" (on Jerusalem’s significance in the Quran and Sunnah). "A Guide to Al-Aqsa Mosque" (detailing key issues about Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa). Symposium Outcomes The event reinforced: ✔ Jerusalem’s centrality in Islamic and Palestinian identity. ✔ The media’s pivotal role in resisting occupation. ✔ The need for academic and youth mobilization.