Queen Rania discusses coexistence, interfaith harmony with young Jordanians

AMMAN — Her Majesty Queen Rania on Monday met with a group of young Jordanians at Jasmine House to discuss the importance of coexistence and interfaith harmony as part of Youth Association for Reality and Awareness (YARA) activities. 

Queen Rania was keen to show her support for the youths who are actively engaged in using platforms and media to express their opinions and ensure their voices are heard, according to a statement released by her office.  

Her Majesty met with Amir Shihadeh, founder of YARA and a group of young Jordanians, and observed examples of young people working together to improve and enhance the mindset of religious coexistence, while promoting national unity and citizenship.  

“Engagement is the most important factor in creating harmonious coexistence, as it allows people to receive a first-hand encounter of a person, rather than through the opinions of others,” the Queen said.

Her Majesty added that interacting with one another is the most crucial factor in promoting coexistence and getting to know one another on a human level rather than believing misleading stereotypes.  

“Jordan has always been the leader in showing values of allegiance, cohesion and belonging. This is what we should build on internally and reflect to the outside world through initiatives and programmes that strengthen these values within our community in Amman and the rest of the country,” she noted.

Attendees spoke about the spirituality of religions, particularly Islam, and their messages of peace and coexistence, the statement said. 

They also discussed the ways the Arab world could utilise the media in promoting the true message of Islam and its peaceful values.  

Sami Haven, founder of Jasmine House, spoke about his vision behind establishing a cultural and artistic space for artists and art lovers to meet and share ideas. 

Her Majesty also dropped in on Namliyeh, a local jam shop that was established in 2012 by architects and entrepreneurs Manal Abu Shmais and Aya Shaban.

Namliyeh produces and sells seasonal varieties of jam made from natural organic ingredients without artificial additives. The produce is bought from several resources supporting local farmers, the statement said.

For more information about Youth Association for Reality & Awareness  visit:http://yara.org/