History of Jerusalem Press (1995-1876)
Date
2025-01
Authors
Mahmoud Al-Fatafta
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Al-Quds University
Abstract
Jerusalem, with its profound religious and political significance, has long drawn writers, intellectuals, and politicians alike. As a pivotal hub for the Palestinian national movement and international political discourse, the city has been the cradle of Palestinian journalism since its inception. The Palestinian press began to flourish in Jerusalem following the declaration of the Ottoman Constitution in 1908, continuing through World War I. The city emerged as a focal point for intellectual discourse and journalism during the 1936 Revolution and again after the Nakba in 1948.¹
The 1930s saw a significant growth in both the number and diversity of newspapers, with Jaffa emerging as a prominent center for Palestinian journalism. So much so that the director of publications regularly traveled from Jerusalem to Jaffa twice a week to oversee the press activity there, reflecting the flourishing media landscape. During this period, Palestine also witnessed the rise of «audio media» through the establishment of the «Here is Jerusalem» radio station in 1936, followed by the Near East Radio in the early 1940s. However, this media boom was short-lived due to the restrictive laws imposed by the British occupation.
The escalating global events, the outbreak of World War II, and the subsequent Nakba of 1948, when Zionist forces seized many Palestinian cities, led to the looting of newspapers, printing presses, libraries, and archival materials, as well as commercial and industrial institutions.²
In the wake of the Nakba, as refugees spread across the region, Jerusalem became a refuge for many journalists, newspapers, and magazines displaced from Jaffa, Haifa, Acre, and other cities. After the 1967 war and Israel’s occupation of the remaining Palestinian territories, the collapse of Palestinian political and press institutions in Jerusalem further complicated matters.
Despite facing arbitrary measures, harsh laws, and periodic closures designed to weaken its role, the Palestinian press showed resilience. Newspapers continued to operate, even as journalists, writers, and photographers were subjected to arrests, assaults, and even killings.³
Following the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority in 1994 and the ratification of the Palestinian Press and Publications Law in 1995, the press in Jerusalem—like other Palestinian cities—experienced a revival, supported by national efforts. Even though Jerusalem remained one of the key issues awaiting a final resolution under the peace agreements between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the press thrived. New newspapers were launched while others ceased publication, yet Al-Quds newspaper remained a steadfast and prominent title, alongside Al-Bayader Al-Siyasi, which had been publishing since 1981.