In an atmosphere that reflects the values of brotherhood among all Jordanians, Minister of Youth Dr. Faris Braizat, on Sunday December 8, patronized a celebration marking the lighting of the “Tree of National Unity” which takes place for the ninth year in a row. The tree was presented by Khalil Salem Charity Society in cooperation with Catholic Center for Studies and Media (CCSM) at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Na’our.
CCSM Director and Parish Priest of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Na’our Fr. Dr. Rif’at Bader welcomed the minister of youth and Mexican Ambassador in Amman Roberto Rodriguez and all the attendees. He pointed out that the lighting of the Tree of National Unity is in line with the lighting of Christmas trees in our cities, villages, churches, and squares throughout our beloved Kingdom.
He pointed out that this celebration would not have been possible had it not been for the fact that our sublime Jordan is a beacon of common living, national unity, as well as an oasis of hope, dialogue and peace which is attributed to the wise Hashemite leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II who announced Christmas, 20 years ago, as an official holiday for all citizens, and stressed at the time that the Jordanians are one family that rallies around its invaluable treasure, namely national unity.
For her part, Khalil Salem Charity Society Director Mrs. Hala Al-Jarf expressed her happiness for lighting the “Tree of National Unity” for the 9th year in a row which affirms that Muslims and Christians in the dear Jordan belong to the same homeland, and that they jointly endeavor and cooperate to build one strong nation for all, as well as strive to build a bright future for our youth and children.
She pointed out that while receiving the ‘Lamp of Peace’ award for the year 2019 in the Italian city of St. Francis, His Majesty King Abdullah II noted that the principles of common living and harmony are an integral part of Jordan’s heritage. She also expressed pride for having His Majesty King Abdullah receivie the Templeton Award in appreciation for his contribution to spreading harmony among the followers of religions and his call for interfaith dialogue.
Dr. Fares Braizat conveyed Christmas well wishes and asked the Alimighty God that these feasts would bring joy, happiness and further achievements. He said that the lighting the “Tree of National Unity” is a small model of the harmony, brotherhood and love experienced in Jordan. He stressed that we are fortunate in this country for enjoying fraternal and unifying values.
A number of the attendees conveyed well wishes on Christmas celebrations. Sheikh Ayed Al-Jbour said, “Jordan is a homeland that everyone loves, and it is a homeland for everyone. We worldwide express our proud of Jordan and wish it safe and security.” The Mexican ambassador expressed his happiness for being in Jordan, and highly appreciated the celebration that embodies the unity of all Jordanians.
Member of the Lower House of Parliament (MP) Hassan Al-Ajarmah conveyed well wishes on behalf of the children of Na’our, stressing that the Christians and Muslims constitute one family. MP Qais Zayadin said, “We are all children of this land. We share the same history, present and future. Furthermore, Director of Nashama and Nasmiyat Na’our Dawoud Al-Sawa’ir and Director of Sanad Youth Gathering Sultan Al-Khalayleh stressed the importance of the role of youth associations in spreading the spirit of brotherhood and encounter especially in religious events.
Later, as the music played, the minister of youth lit the Tree of Unity which was decorated with the Jordanian flag and other Christmas decorations next to Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto in Na’our with the participation of parish priest Fr. Simon Hijazin, members of the pastoral and municipality council in Na’our, Caritas Jordan, the Sanad Society, the Youth of Jordan Grouping, the Secretary General of the Young Men’s Christian Association in Jordan Osama Shatara, and the Nashama and Nashiymat Soceity of Na’our that donated the lit tree next to the church, and a large number of notables from Na’our and different parts of the Kingdom.
