Al-Maqdisiyah in English- Identity and Promise
Date
2025-01
Authors
Imad Abu Kishk
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Al-Quds University
Abstract
A new chapter is unfolding for al-Maqdisiyah, the quarterly journal published by al-Quds University. For six years, it has consistently emerged in Arabic, from Beirut, Cairo, and Ramallah, reflecting the pulse of Jerusalem. Now, with the release of its inaugural English issue, the journal embarks on an exciting journey of expansion, with plans to eventually include a French edition as well.
Following the steady and evolving success of its twenty-fourth Arabic issue, which has delved into the complex issues surrounding Jerusalem, al-Maqdisiyah in English brings together distinguished articles and studies from the four 2024 Arabic issues, translated to engage a wider audience. This first English edition shifts the journal from its original Arab focus to a broader, global platform, aiming to extend its message of Jerusalem identity and struggles. It continues to present the city’s affairs, as captured by the pens of Jerusalem’s own people, Palestinians, Arabs, and all those who defend the true Arab identity of the city. These voices stand against the efforts to distort Jerusalem’s spiritual, historical, demographic, and geographical features. The English version of al-Maqdisiyah seeks to counteract the ongoing attempt to erase the city’s identity through the Israeli occupation’s aggressive policies, including settlement expansion, Judaization, and the systematic practices of apartheid, discrimination, ethnic cleansing, and displacement. The journal remains steadfast in its role as an objective, scholarly platform, countering the forces that try to manipulate Jerusalem’s history, its land, and its people.
In its new form, al-Maqdisiyah will continue to amplify the truth, striving for a just and lasting peace for the Palestinian people. It upholds the vision of ending the occupation and securing the freedom and independence of Palestine-goals that resonate deeply with the broader aspirations for peace across the region and the world.
The English version will carry forward the mission of the Arabic edition–defending Jerusalem’s identity, documenting its issues with academic rigor, and contributing to the body of knowledge on the city. It reflects al-Quds University’s ongoing commitment to both academic excellence and national responsibility toward Jerusalem. Al-Maqdisiyah will remain an essential intellectual resource, providing objective studies grounded in scientific methodology, ensuring its contributions to the broader global conversation on Jerusalem’s future.
As a key component of al-Quds University’s mission, al-Maqdisiyah in English serves as a vital link between the city of Jerusalem and its Arab and global communities. It stands as a testament to the university’s dedication to safeguarding Jerusalem’s identity, educating the world about Israel’s targeting the city, and providing insight into the many intellectual, political, social, cultural, and legal dimensions of Jerusalem’s past, present, and future.
Guided by the esteemed Professor Sa’eed Abu ’Ali, founder of al-Maqdisiyah in both languages, and supported by Professors Walid Salem, ’Aziz al-’Assa, and a dedicated new team for the English edition, al-Maqdisiyah warmly welcomes all objective, peace-driven voices devoted to Jerusalem – the City of Peace. This publication seeks to illuminate Jerusalem’s rich and complex dimensions – intellectual, cultural, and human significance. As a gateway to coexistence, tolerance, and the elevation of human values, Jerusalem stands as a beacon of harmony and the higher ideals of humanity.
With the blessings of God, this inaugural issue of al-Maqdisiyah in English marks the beginning of a new phase in the journal’s ongoing dedication to Jerusalem, the capital of the independent Palestine state.