On Monday May 9th, Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania Al Abdullah received the Path to Peace Award in New York from the Path to Peace Foundation, which is linked with the Holy See's Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations.
Their Majesties received the prize in honor of Jordan's humanitarian efforts to accommodate refugees, as well as their involvement in encouraging religious cooperation and dialogue and increasing chances for peace.
"Our road on the route to peace must pass via Jerusalem," King Abdullah remarked during the prize ceremony.
"Billions of people throughout the world cherish that Holy City." It is the place of our prayers and our hopes," His Majesty added.
According to the King, Jerusalem is critical to the future of peace and stability that everyone seeks.
"As Custodian of its Muslim and Christian Holy Sites," His Majesty added, "I tell to you all, my friends, that maintaining the historical and legal status quo at these holy places is crucial for peace, harmony, and freedom of religion."
The King went on to say that Jerusalem is home to numerous Arab Christians, who are part of the world's oldest Christian community, and that it is critical for everyone to safeguard their presence in the Holy City.
"Jerusalem should be an anchor for peace and harmony, not for fear and bloodshed," His Majesty remarked, warning that altering the Holy City's legal and historical status quo will only exacerbate tensions and resentment.
The King urged the international community to assist Palestinians and Israelis in resuming work toward a just and lasting peace that can provide a future of hope for both parties, based on the two-state solution, leading to the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security.
His Majesty accepted the award on behalf of all Jordanians who "uphold the historic values and noble heritage of our land, by living and working in mutual respect, by sustaining Jordan as an oasis of peace, and by reaching out in compassion to those in need, and offering refuge to millions of refugees over the years."
The King also emphasized the importance of international cooperation in harnessing political, technological, and economic tools to address the challenges of food insecurity, COVID implications, and climate change, while working to eliminate poverty and despair, end occupation and injustice, assist refugees everywhere in returning home, ready to rebuild shattered communities, and renew the hope that young people everywhere so desperately need.
Speaking during the event, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, the Holy See's permanent observer to the United Nations and head of the Path to Peace Foundation, praised His Majesty's efforts to promote peace in the area and across the world.
"Your interactions with religious leaders and participation in the process that resulted in the Amman Message reflect your dedication not just to religious tolerance but also to interfaith dialogue, with the goal of finding 'A Common Word Between Us and You.'" This culminated in your initiative, which was endorsed by the UN General Assembly, to establish an annual World Interfaith Harmony Week," he remarked, addressing His Majesty.
"Your recent recommitment to conserving the Holy Land's hallowed sites demonstrates that you view Christians as a vital component of the Arab world's and the Middle East's historical and cultural fabric." Furthermore, in the international arena, you are unwavering in your advocacy for long-term solutions to conflict resolution and peace in the region," Archbishop Caccia stated.
He also complimented Her Majesty's "passion for issues of education, connection, and cross-cultural discourse, as well as sustainability, the environment, and migration," while putting young people at the center of solutions and instilling optimism in all endeavors.
Look Details:
She was wearing Daneh signature draped maxi dress from Daneh's RESORT 2019 collection while holding her Bottega Veneta Knot Intrecciato Satin And Python Black Clutch
