Between two worlds: The unique situation of East Jerusalem Palestinians [View all]
Source: Jerusalem Post
For east Jerusalem Palestinians with an identity tied to a residency card, al-Aksa is their strongest symbol. They are prepared to live and die by it.
The Abna Al Quds Community Center is an unexpected oasis on the roofs of the Old City. Entering through Herod’s Gate, one makes an immediate right up the staircase and keeps winding right on a sloping ascent.
Through the stone archway, one comes upon 320 sq. meters of – just about – open space. There’s a soccer pitch with Suleiman’s 16th century walls as its sideline; a graduation ceremony of a first aid course is taking place in one of the halls; and boys and girls are throwing around a basketball on what doubles as a tennis court. It’s quiet here, compared to the bustle of Damascus Gate.
Suheil Omari has been the general director here for the past five years. Originally from the north of Israel, he travels two or three times a week to the community center from his home in Nazareth Illit.
Omari makes clear that his most passionate work is speaking out against child marriages, girls being married off at the age of 16 and even younger – but the center, which serves hundreds of east Jerusalem Palestinian’s, deals with issues that are unique just to this population.
Read more: http://www.jpost.com/Magazine/Between-two-worlds-455839
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