Arab Graduation

For the third year, the Jerusalem Center hosted the graduation ceremony of A-Tur Secondary School.The ceremony was held Tuesday, May 17th in the upper auditorium. This school sits on the Mount of Olives and serves the children of the At-Tur village that lies east of the JC and East Jerusalem. Holding the ceremony comes as an act of cooperation and goodwill to our Palestinian neighbors and for their families.

The Mount of Olives or Mount Al-Tur is a mountain ridge east of and adjacent to Jerusalem's Old City. It is named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes.

The proper Arabic name for a head scarf that is worn by women is a khimaar.

Families who attended graduation were very grateful that the Jerusalem Center offered its facility to them without a charge. It was not only beautiful place for such a memorable event but also a blessing to so many who otherwise would not have the means to rent an auditorium like what we have.

The At-Tur village is an Arab majority neighborhood just east of the Old City and was annexed by Israel after the Six-Day war in 1967.

Photo: Palestinian women are beautiful! The proper Arabic name for a head scarf that is worn by women is a khimaar. When a Muslim woman covers herself, it shows her religious commitment and as she does, it is a way of honoring God. They are taught from the Qur’an: “O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their outer garments over themselves. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah forgiving and merciful.” The Qur’an

The Arab population is the fastest growing population in Jerusalem and most of the Middle East. The majority of them identify themselves as Arab or Palestinian. Each Arab household has an average of 5.7 people compared to the Jewish of 3.4. As a result, the Muslim population have much poorer living conditions.

To Muslims, Jerusalem is considered the third-holiest city in Islam after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. The Arab population considers themselves very religious and have more children. They are poor and live in more crowded living conditions.

Most of the Arabs living in East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights were offered Israeli citizenship but most have refused. They became permanent residents instead. They have the right to apply for citizenship and can have voting rights.

Photo: The graduation ceremony had lots of dancing and singing.

Muslims believe in all the Jewish and Christian prophets and scriptures. The history of the Jews and Christians have played an important part of the Muslim legacy.

Photo: Yummy refreshments. The end of another wonderful day in Jerusalem. E-rev tov! (Good evening in Hebrew)