Jordanians stand united behind Jerusalem

AMMAN — Jordanians from all walks of life and political spectra took to the streets on Friday to condemn and reject US President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and demand swift actions.

Peaceful demonstrations were reported in more than 30 locations in Amman and other towns across the country.

The rallies, in a rare occurrence, were encouraged by officials and political groups alike, including the opposition.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Prime Ministry Affairs Mamdouh Abbadi was quoted as telling a local radio station that he encouraged Jordanians to take part in the rallies, which were covered live by the state-run Jordan TV  and the Jordan News Agency, Petra, which titled one story: "A day of rage in solidarity with Al Aqsa". 

Meanwhile, Speaker of the Lower House Atef Tarawneh urged lawmakers to be with their voters in the streets.

In a statement later Friday, police commended the level of responsibility exhibited by participants in the rallies, which saw zero friction with security forces.

On the diplomatic front, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met on Friday with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini in Brussels and discussed with her means to address the grave consequences of the US decision and launch an effective international push to secure the right of the Palestinian people to establishing their independent state within June, 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, Petra reported.

Upon the request of Jordan, which is the current president of the Arab Summit, the Arab League Council is expected to meet on Saturday for an emergency meeting to deal with Trump's move, which has been met with rejection by even the closest US allies worldwide.

In the largest rally nationwide in downtown Amman following Friday's prayers, several thousand demonstrators chanted slogans against the US and Israel and voiced solidarity with the Palestinians in the face of the US administration's decision.

"Go to Hell Trump," one of the banners carried during the demonstration read. Others read "Jerusalem is ours" and "Jerusalem is for all Arabs; Muslims and Christians alike."

"We would sacrifice ourselves for Al Qasa and Jerusalem," chanted the demonstrators as scores were waving Jordanian and Palestinian flags and pictures of Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque.

Jordanians from all walks of life and representatives of different parties including the communist, leftist and Islamic parties took part in the demonstration in down town Amman, where police were deployed.

"We are here to express our anger regarding the illogical and childish decision by Trump. The US claims to be seeking peace, while what it is doing on the ground is always the opposite," Mohammad Al Nawaiseh, 56, told The Jordan Times during the protest.

"Jerusalem is not only for the Palestinians or the Jordanians, it is for all Arabs and Muslims who should not remain silent," said Nawaiseh.

Samer Abu Steif, a 45-year old carpenter and a resident of Jabal Al Joufeh in east Amman, said he took part in the demonstration to send a clear message that "all Arabs and Muslims are against the decision."

"It is unbelievable to see the Zionists entity killing Palestinians, building settlements, occupying our lands and now take Jerusalem. It is heartbreaking to see no serious reactions from the Arab and the Islamic world," said Abu Steif.

"Recognizing Jerusalem as a capital for the Zionists is a crime at all levels and a reward for the murders and occupiers," said Abu Steif.

During the protest, demonstrators burnt Israeli and American flags and called for severing ties with Israel and abolishing the Wadi Araba peace treaty, which Jordan and Israel signed in 1994.

Also Friday, demonstrators held a protest in front of the US embassy in Amman, voicing their rejection of the US move.

Amman was not the only place to witness demonstrations in Jordan as thousands of Jordanians also took to the streets in various parts of the country including in Zarqa governorate, Ajloun, Irbid and other governorates.