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Book Review by Rouquia Alami, Palestine (I will always be a Jerusalemite)

Writer: Hala Sakakini
Book: Jerusalem and I
Throughout history, Jerusalem City (Al-Quds) has always held a special place in the hearts and minds of Palestinians. It has been a beacon of intellectual and scholarly activity, a hub of learning opportunities, and a center of literary excellence.
In Palestinian literature, Jerusalem City has left an indelible mark. Dr. Ali Al-Jariri, a renowned Palestinian researcher and academic, emphasizes Jerusalem’s significance as one of the most important global capitals of education, culture, writing, literature, and science. He highlights that Jerusalem has welcomed scientists, philosophers, thinkers, schools, and universities throughout history and continues to rank among the top in human knowledge, including literature.
Palestinian writers have often reflected on their backgrounds and the city of Jerusalem in their works. Jabra Ibrahim Jabra (1919-1994), for instance, wrote an essay titled “Jerusalem: Time Embodied” (1965) that recounted his childhood experiences in Jerusalem. Jabra’s words capture the essence of Jerusalem as a place that transcends its physical boundaries and becomes a living entity, a time that shapes the lives of its inhabitants. Palestinian American academic, political activist, and literary critic Edward Said (1953-2003), born in Jerusalem, is renowned for his famous saying about the city: “The whole world is a hotel, and Jerusalem is my home.” Novelist Mahmoud Shukair (1941-2020), also born in Jerusalem, shares his experiences and insights in his autobiography, “Jerusalem: My First City, My Last City.” This book offers a glimpse into Shukair’s childhood, youth, and adulthood, as well as the city’s historical events since the 1940s. He recounts his education in Jerusalem’s schools and his time as a teacher there, describing the city’s landmarks, architecture, and current state. Shukair’s memoir is deeply rooted in his profound connection to Jerusalem, as he expresses, “Jerusalem is a part of me, and I am part of Jerusalem.”
Another notable writer who has written extensively about Jerusalem is Aida Al-Najjar (1938-2020). In 2011, she published her book, “Jerusalem (Al-Quds) and the Fair Lady,” which chronicles the city’s history during the British Mandate period in Palestine (1920-1948).
Palestinian Egyptian poet Tamim Al-Barghouti (1977-2017), known as the “Poet of Jerusalem,” is another writer who has left a mark on the city’s literary landscape. His poem, “In Jerusalem,” is a testament to his deep love and connection to the city.
In conclusion, these writers offer diverse perspectives on Jerusalem, capturing its essence and significance in their own unique ways. Their works serve as valuable sources of information and inspiration for anyone interested in understanding this iconic city. This book chronicles Hala Sakakini’s life in Jerusalem, spanning from her childhood in 1924 to the Nakba of 1948. Through a delicate balance between private and public moments, Hala shares her experiences with her family during this period, highlighting the profound impact of her father, Khalil Sakakini, on her life and intellectual development. The narrative unfolds through vivid memories and subtle details of the city’s places, atmospheres, and rituals, including the names of families, theaters, schools, cafes, and the seasonal celebrations of the thirties and forties. It’s as if the book invites readers to accompany Hala on a journey through Jerusalem’s streets, evoking the city’s rich memory.
According to Nehal El-Naggar, Professor at The American University in Cairo, as outlined in her research published by LAP Lambert Academic Publishing (2019), “Alternative Truth: Re-reading History in Hala Sakakini’s Jerusalem & I,” “Jerusalem & I (1990) by Hala Sakakini (1924-2003) is a personal account of her life in Jerusalem. Sakakini’s re-reading of Jerusalem’s history before 1948 through her personal recollections serves as a form of resistance. She embodies a woman as a national subject developing a nationalist consciousness within the broader nationalist movement. This study aims to explore Sakakini’s ‘alternative truth,’ which challenges mainstream history shaped by powerful forces. Palestinian women’s self-narratives unravel interconnected topics, providing an exploratory framework for understanding the subject matter. Sakakini’s narrative offers a lens through which reality is perceived.” Hala Sakakini, a writer and teacher born in the Old City of Jerusalem in 1924, offers a unique perspective on history through her oral history. Unlike traditional political formal history, Sakakini’s work delves into the socio-historical analysis of her land and people, providing an ethnographic and geographic map that subverts mainstream narratives.
Sakakini’s quest is not a personal gendered one, but rather a search for a lost place. Her father, Khalil Sakakini, a prominent Palestinian author and poet who pioneered modern education in the Arab world, played a significant role in shaping her perspective. Born in Jerusalem in 1878 and passing away in Cairo in 1953, Khalil Sakakini’s memoirs, “Katha Ana ya Dunia,” were edited by Hala after his death.
Hala Sakakini herself completed her elementary school education in Jerusalem during the 1930s. During the Nakba of 1948, she and her family fled to Egypt, but later returned to Ramallah, where she worked as a lecturer at Birzeit University. In 1993, she published her personal account, “Jerusalem and I,” while in 1997, she released her diary, “The Years in Ramallah.”
In 1998, Hala, along with her sister Dumya and Palestinian friends, founded the “Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center” in Ramallah, the city where she passed away and was buried.
*Sources: Various Palestinian cultural institutions, press, and book review records.
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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