Ziad Al-Hamouri: A Lifelong Advocate for Palestinian Rights in Jerusalem
In the compelling series "From the Figures of Jerusalem," Al Jazeera Net highlights the profound journey of Ziad Al-Hamouri, the director of the Jerusalem Center for Social and Economic Rights. Born in Gaza and raised in a family with deep roots in Hebron, Al-Hamouri has dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of Palestinians in Jerusalem. His experiences, spanning cities like Hebron, Gaza, and Doha, shape his fight for freedom and justice.
Al-Hamouri's commitment to social justice began early in his life. After studying law at the University of Damascus and the University of Lebanon, he returned to Jerusalem in the mid-seventies, only to face the harsh realities of Israeli occupation. Following a series of arrests and the confiscation of his store, he shifted his focus from trade to activism. His early awareness of the issues facing Jerusalemites led him to establish a committee aimed at confronting the oppressive taxes imposed by the occupation.
In the early nineties, Al-Hamouri co-founded the Jerusalem Center for Social and Economic Rights, an organization dedicated to defending the rights of Jerusalem's residents. The center actively opposes Israeli violations and advocates for the preservation of the Palestinian identity in the city. Al-Hamouri emphasizes the urgent need for a clear strategy to support the residents of Jerusalem, who face ongoing threats of displacement and marginalization. He warns of looming plans that could further jeopardize the existence of Palestinian communities within the city, calling for immediate action to develop housing and educational resources for those affected.
As Al-Hamouri continues his work, he remains a vital voice in the struggle for Palestinian rights, urging for unity and strategic planning to ensure the survival and stability of Jerusalem's Palestinian population.
