Launch of "Jerusalem: The City and the Cause" at the Yasser Arafat Foundation in Cairo

2026-06-22

The Yasser Arafat Foundation in Cairo hosted a seminar to launch Jerusalem: The City and the Cause, authored by Ashraf Akl, former Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the State of Palestine. The event brought together a distinguished audience of Palestinian and Egyptian figures, including Egyptian Member of Parliament Atef Maghawry.


Opening the event, Major General Orabi Kaloub, Director of the Foundation in Egypt, welcomed the attendees and emphasized that the seminar highlights both a significant publication and an author who have devoted considerable attention to Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque. He noted that the book explores the city's rich history and examines the many dimensions of the Jerusalem question.


Dr. Jihad Al-Batsh delivered a comprehensive review of the book, describing it as "an encyclopedia of Jerusalem." He praised its extensive coverage of the Holy City, its people, and its history, while also documenting Israeli violations and the policies of settler colonialism imposed on the city.


Ambassador Ashraf Akl then presented an overview of the book, outlining its principal themes and sharing insights from his personal experience during his tenure as Egypt's ambassador to Palestine, where he witnessed many of the events and realities discussed in the publication.


Speakers unanimously stressed the importance of publishing such a work at this critical juncture, commending the Yasser Arafat Foundation for organizing cultural and national events that promote awareness of the Palestinian cause. They also praised Ambassador Ashraf Akl for his dedication in producing this valuable and meticulously documented work.


The Foundation affirmed that the seminar reflects the vision of the late leader Yasser Arafat and aligns with its mission to organize activities and initiatives that serve the Palestinian cause and support the Palestinian people wherever they are.


The event concluded with a ceremony honoring Ambassador Ashraf Akl, who was presented with the Yasser Arafat Foundation Shield in recognition of his outstanding contributions and efforts.