JPI Board of Directors meets with
the Jordanian Ambassador to the United States
on Jerusalem
Mr. Rateb Rabie, Chair of the Jerusalem Peace Institute (JPI) Board of Directors, and Dr. Saliba Sarsar, President / CEO of JPI, met on October 14, 2021, with Her Excellency Dina Kawar, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the United States. During the virtual meeting, which was also attended by JPI Vice President Dr. Shaher Awawdeh and JPI Board of Directors member Mr. Khaled Elgindy, Dr. Sarsar briefed Ambassador Kawar on the motivation and history behind the creation of JPI. He presented the JPI mission, which underscores Jerusalem as humanity’s shared gift governed by two peoples and cherished by three faiths, and its centrality for a just peace through advocacy, programs, activities, interdisciplinary research, and publications. Mr. Rabie spoke of the uniqueness of JPI, as it has Arab (both Christian and Muslim) and Jewish members, and how it can bring organizations together to advocate for the peace of Jerusalem. Emphasized was the important role of the Hashemite Family as custodians of the Muslim and Christians holy shrines in Jerusalem. Dr. Awawdeh touched on the diversity in Jerusalem and how the Holy City does not accept one character or one identity. Mr. Elgindy commented on the salient nature of the Jerusalem issue and how it is not only the center of national aspirations, but also part of global heritage. Ambassador Kawar responded by commending the JPI leadership on its inclusive vision and approach in highlighting the vital issue of Jerusalem. She expressed interest in having JPI offer educational sessions on Jerusalem’s history and culture. “We need narratives,” she stated, “that show Jerusalem’s beauty and heritage. Jerusalem is the city that unites, it is central for peace.” The two parties agreed to continue coordination and exchange of information as they advocate for an inclusive and shared Jerusalem. This meeting is a follow up on the meeting of Mr. Rabie with HRM King Abdullah II in New York on September 15, 2021.
