Palestine Conference: Jerusalem is the eternal capital of Palestine

A workshop session during a conference on Palestine in London, UK on 16 March 2019

Artwork displayed at a conference on Palestine in London, UK on 16 March 2019

Members can be seen at a conference on Palestine in London, UK on 16 March 2019

Members can be seen at a conference on Palestine in London, UK on 16 March 2019

A stall at a conference on Palestine in London, UK on 16 March 2019

More than 200 people attended the eleventh student conference for Palestine in London over the weekend, declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.

Organised by Olive, a British Palestinian youth organisation, and the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) in partnership with the Palestinian Students Forum, took place in light of the dangerous situation which took place in light of US President Donald Trump’s “deal of the century” and the targeting of holy sites in Jerusalem.

The conference, which took place at King’s College in London, included two sessions which discussed.

Al-Aqsa Mosque and the threats it is facing, including as a result of the ongoing digging beneath it and Israel’s attempts to re-write history.

READ: Students at 30 UK campuses demand end to complicity in Israel apartheid

The spatial and temporal divisions of Jerusalem and Israel’s endeavours to enforce these since 1948, were discussed in the second session by Professor Ghada Karmi. As a lecturer in media and international relations at An-Najah National University, Dr. Farid Abu Dheir addressed the media’s perspective on the issue, and its role in understanding the Palestinian cause.

Sarah Al-Aredi, spokesperson for Olive, said: “The FOSIS /Olive annual Palestine conference brings together a range of engaging and knowledgeable speakers on the issues relating to the plight of the Palestinians. This year the focus was on the importance of the city of Jerusalem and its socio-political as well as religious significance, especially during a time when the mere existence of the indigenous Palestinian people in this holy land is in danger.”

“The conference not only allows us to raise awareness of the ongoing struggle, and for attendees to gain valuable insight with regards to the many injustices perpetrated by the state of Israel, but it is also a space to showcase the vivid history and culture of Palestine.”