Muhammad Al-Taj: My experience from within captivity with Al-Quds newspaper deserves this documentation, especially with the issue reaching its 20,000th issue.

Sanaa Badawi: The issue is a testament to her professionalism, patriotism, and ability to adapt to change, as she is a pillar of solid Arab journalism.

Dr. Amin Abu Warda: "Al-Quds" is the Palestinian family newspaper that has maintained its professionalism throughout its history despite the difficult circumstances.

Dr. Mahmoud Khalouf: I rely on the editor-in-chief's extensive and diverse experience and his relationships with decision-making circles to maintain the continuity of this important, pioneering project.

Asri Fayyad: Al-Quds's reaching 20,000 followers at a time when social media is dominating is a remarkable success, as it goes against the grain and surpasses it.

Dr. Sanaa Zakarneh: "Al-Quds" has gained a status unrivaled by anyone else, addressing all issues that touch people's daily lives and national concerns.

Dr. Ahmed Abu Al-Haija: The balanced editorial line and the space provided for diverse intellectual and political views have placed it at the forefront of Palestinian media for decades.

Dr. Fadi Jumaa: Al-Quds's achievement of this historic number is a testament to its professionalism, but also a testament to the people's trust in it.

Dr. Ayman Youssef: "Al-Quds" is one of the oldest, authentic Palestinian newspapers that has distinguished itself greatly in conveying the suffering of the Palestinians.

Israa Al-Aboushi: It was not just a newspaper, but rather played a prominent role in preserving the Palestinian national identity, and took it upon herself to convey the voice of the Palestinians to the world.

Sari Samour: Al-Quds newspaper represents a complete archive, especially the "Jerusalem 20 Years Ago" section, which began 30 years ago.

The revolution brought about by the discovery of the Internet, which transformed the world into a small village through the rapid transmission of information and its availability to all, and the subsequent emergence of knowledge media, whether websites or social networking sites, has made many people hasten to mourn the passing of printed media, especially newspapers, which, no matter what they do, will never be able to keep up with satellite channels and digital media in the speed of information transmission.

Indeed, many newspapers around the world failed to survive and either left the media scene entirely or became electronic newspapers. However, others, most notably the Jerusalemite Al-Quds newspaper, have maintained their footsteps and path, joining the digital media revolution without abandoning their original print edition, which today, Thursday, celebrates reaching 20,000 copies.

Freed prisoners, journalists, writers, and academics celebrated Al-Quds, the newspaper, the school, and the free media platform, in their own unique way by presenting testimonies about their memories of the newspaper, at home, at university, and even while imprisoned in the occupation's prisons. They also celebrated the important role it played over the past decades in various political, social, cultural, and sporting fields, and as a comprehensive historical record of all the milestones the national cause has passed through.

"Al-Quds" is a bright window that dispels the darkness of prison.

Freed prisoner and political activist Mohammed Al-Taj said: “There are many memories and experiences that deserve to be documented, not only because they affected us in the past, but also because they continue to affect us in the near future. Here, I believe that my experience from within captivity with Al-Quds newspaper deserves this documentation, especially with the twenty thousandth issue approaching, which indicates its continuity stemming from its excellence.”

He added: It is true that while in captivity, we were subjected to daily injustice and oppression, deprived of the most basic human and life needs, and isolated from the outside world in an attempt to empty us of our national and struggle content. However, despite this great darkness, Al-Quds newspaper, at least for me, was the shining window that placed me at the heart of the event, through its coverage of all events on the Palestinian, Arab and international arenas, politically, economically, culturally and socially, in addition to sporting events, weather news and other journalistic topics in various fields.

A newspaper with a unique thought and deep knowledge

He continued: "Perhaps Al-Quds' journalistic approach is the unique feature that has made me a follower of it. Thanks to its journalistic approach and deep knowledge, it has been able to carve out a unique path for itself."

Al-Taj continued: "When I speak about Al-Quds newspaper, I mean those who run it, starting with its editor-in-chief and founder, moving on to the heads of its offices spread across all regions of the country, and ending with its network of correspondents and writers."

Al-Taj concluded by saying: “I feel proud and honored to write for a serious and realistic newspaper, managed and steered by an elite group of national writers, and comprising a distinguished group of journalistic pens from all over the country. This is not a compliment to it, nor a commendation to its editor-in-chief and those in charge, nor an encouragement to the reader, nor an advertisement for it, although it deserves that and more.”

A print media outlet that has maintained a high level of trust.

Writer and activist Sanaa Badawi, a former member of the Jenin Municipal Council and former director of public relations for the Jenin Governorate, said that Al-Quds's 20,000th issue is a significant milestone for the newspaper's continued success as a print media outlet, maintaining a high level of trust not only in Palestine but also internationally.

Badawi added: "This is a testament to its professionalism, patriotism, and ability to adapt to change, and to its status today as a pillar of solid and committed Arab journalism. The newspaper's resilience and growth are fundamentally rooted in quality and excellence. Al-Quds has been able to maintain its leadership and precedence since its founding to this day."

She pointed out that the newspaper's development is due to the shrewdness and awareness of its management, all its administrative, technical and field staff, and its editorial board, who kept pace with developments in the media, grasped all aspects of the media industry's success, and took from it what could maintain the newspaper's leadership. It distinguished itself and succeeded in achieving its mission. This is evident through maintaining the form, spirit, structure, objectivity and value of the newspaper as a Palestinian media outlet for all Palestinians, which attracted it through the website that keeps up with events as they happen and enriches it with everything the Palestinian, Arab and international reader is looking for.

Keeping pace with technological developments

She said: "Al-Quds newspaper did not rely solely on its printed glories, but rather was able to integrate modern media tools through a rich and constantly updated website that combines text, images, and audio, addressing Palestinian, Arab, and international readers. This digital transformation was not merely superficial, but profound in its editorial structure and news coverage, enabling it to continue to lead the way."

She emphasized that Al-Quds newspaper has distinguished itself as the most objective, neutral, credible, and diverse in its topics, as well as being the richest and most comprehensive in its coverage of events on the Palestinian and international levels, and with high-quality production and editing. As such, it has achieved distinction, becoming one of the most important pillars of Palestinian journalism over the decades and can be considered the strongest pillar of journalism despite all the updates, as the newspaper has remained faithful to its Palestinian identity and committed to a comprehensive national line. It has succeeded in preserving its audiences from all generations.

"Jerusalem" has preserved its independence and national identity.

She pointed out that Al-Quds newspaper has been able, since its founding until now, to maintain a national approach or framework acceptable to all segments of Palestinian society, with its various tendencies, sects, and political orientations, because it has devoted its pages to all of these groups, preserving its independence and national identity.

She added: "The reader finds everything he or she wants from the newspaper through its pages, which are more numerous and diverse in opinion, source and content. Through diligent and diverse monitoring and follow-up, Al-Quds newspaper has become more responsive to the demands of its expanding audience. This is due to the activity and interest in the work that distinguishes some of its correspondents from others in other newspapers. It can be said that Al-Quds newspaper is considered the most abundant and distinctive traditional media meal in Palestine and can never be dispensed with."

The real pulse of the street

Journalist and researcher Dr. Amin Abu Warda, director of the Asdaa Press office in Nablus, said: "Al-Quds newspaper is the Palestinian family newspaper that has maintained its professionalism throughout its history despite difficult circumstances and conditions. It has remained the true pulse of the street amidst accelerating and escalating events and political and regional restrictions. It has also managed to maintain its luster with the advent of digital media in the media arena."

He added that Al-Quds newspaper has dedicated its pages to all Palestinians, despite all the previous eras, and has remained a school of acceptable professionalism despite all the obstacles.

He continued: "Al-Quds remains a school of thought in Palestinian media life, both for the staff who graduated from its pages and became prominent figures in many international media institutions, and for those who became lecturers and trainers in media fields."

Abu Warda concluded by saying: "We cannot forget the founding staff and the prominent figures who worked at the newspaper. Some have passed away, while others continue to live on with their pens and words, passing on their expertise from one generation to the next, until the newspaper's writers and correspondents have become a model for the younger generations."

A balanced media school that has been able to withstand the challenges.

Media professor Dr. Mahmoud Khalouf said that the newspaper's success in this issue is an indicator of its audience's continuity, stability, and confidence. This aligns with the fact that the institution represents a balanced media school that has been able to withstand the daunting challenges.

He added: "Al-Quds newspaper plays a role in shaping public opinion, and its role was evident, for example, in the battle over the gates surrounding the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque."

He continued: In any case, this newspaper has contributed to conveying the public concern, and most importantly, it reaches Jordan, and it has a modern website that somewhat meets the standards of interactivity and the requirements for designing a non-classical website.

Considering the history of Palestinian journalism, Al-Quds newspaper is a long-established, veteran institution, with a succession of prominent editors-in-chief and journalists who have made significant contributions to union, professional, and national work.

A balanced national line amidst strong winds

He pointed out that the newspaper had withstood the Israeli military censorship and represented a prestigious national institution, whose importance was heightened by its location in the capital and in occupied Jerusalem.

He said: "We can see the newspaper's professionalism in its commitment to a balanced national line amidst the turbulent winds surrounding the internal Palestinian situation and the division. Despite the enormous pressures it is facing, it has been able to persevere and remain patient."

Regarding recent developments in media and communication sciences, Khalouf said, "For a print newspaper to survive in the face of the power of digital media and the popularity of digital platforms is an indicator of how deeply rooted and established this institution is."

He concluded by saying: "I am counting on the new and current editor-in-chief, with his extensive and diverse experience and good relations with decision-making circles, to accumulate achievements and maintain the continuity of this important, pioneering project."

Bringing print media back to the forefront in a volatile region

Writer, researcher, and author Asri Fayyad said that Al-Quds's reaching a circulation of 20,000, at a time when social media is dominating, is a remarkable success, as it goes against the grain and brings print media back to the forefront in a region riven by events that are capturing the world's attention.

He added: "Al-Quds newspaper has been keeping pace with technological development and progress step by step since its inception, and has employed this development and technology in its media work to provide Palestinian readers with the most beautiful news, events, analyses, articles, and investigations and the best content. This has been noticeable and tangible throughout the history of this newspaper, which has become one of the largest Arab newspapers with credibility, official and popular following and interest."

He added: "In the history of Palestinian journalism, Al-Quds newspaper has been the backbone of print media for more than seventy years. This is no small feat given the turbulent reality and environment teeming with events and developments. It has also maintained its leadership in print media despite the passage of three political authorities: the era of Jordan, the occupation, and the Palestinian National Authority."

"Al-Quds" has preserved its realistic national identity and credibility.

He continued: "It also preserved its realistic national identity and credibility, holding fast to its resolve to serve the Palestinian reader, forming a fundamental part of his awareness. Consequently, it contributed to shedding light on important aspects of the issue, amidst the darkness and attempts at deception that accompanied and continue to accompany the occupation, which sought and continues to seek to cauterize the Palestinian citizen's consciousness and undermine his faith in his just cause."

Fayyad concluded by saying: “There is no disagreement that Al-Quds newspaper is an independent political newspaper that does not express the viewpoint of a particular affiliation or a limited idea, but rather it expresses all Palestinians, all Arabs, and all free people in the world. This is embodied in its approach and method of work. It has adopted responsible and constructive opinion and welcomed all ideas and trends without bias toward anyone or belittling anyone’s opinion. This has been and continues to be one of the pillars of success and prosperity in its journey.”

Far from political tensions

Dr. Sanaa Zakarneh, a political researcher and community activist, said: "Al-Quds newspaper is extremely popular among the Palestinian people. It conveys the pain, suffering, and stories from under the rubble, and it cares about Palestinian concerns. Far removed from political tensions, it covers the news and delivers its message to every Palestinian home and corner."

She added: "After the Palestinian division in 2007, we witnessed a deterioration in the status of newspapers and the official Palestinian journalistic path, as it began to focus on narrow partisan goals that served a specific group and neglected many hot national issues, such as invasions, settlements, prisoners and their suffering. Our people found in Al-Quds newspaper their safe haven and their absent voice, and it was present in every issue, prisoner's home, destroyed street and bombed hospice."

She continued: "Recent opinion polls have shown that Al-Quds newspaper is the leading newspaper in reaching the largest segment of Palestinians, and that it is the most widely circulated newspaper in the Palestinian territories. This result, if it indicates anything, indicates the public's confidence in it, and that it has now attained a position unrivaled by anyone else, addressing all issues that touch on daily human life, suffering, and national concerns."

A historical record, a national archive, and a treasure trove of knowledge

Dr. Ahmed Abu Al-Haija, a researcher in political sociology, said: "The 20,000th issue of Al-Quds is not a meaningless quantity. Rather, it is a historical record, a national archive, and an invaluable treasure trove of Palestinian memory, and one of the pillars of protecting the Palestinian narrative."

He added: "The historical trajectory of Al-Quds newspaper is deeply ingrained in our consciousness. I remember reading it as a child, from school to university, then from work in all its various forms, from the paper versions with their doughy scent to the digital edition in its new form."

Abu Al-Haija emphasized that Al-Quds newspaper has represented a unique and conscious experience in Palestinian print media since its inception. It is a balanced school of journalism, and the newspaper's identity has blended perfectly with Palestinian identity, an unwavering embrace. It is no exaggeration to say that its ability to withstand globalization and the development of media and digital communication is evidence of its deep roots in society.

Conveying the Palestinian narrative to the world

Abu Al-Haija pointed out that Al-Quds' balanced editorial approach and the space it provides for diverse opinions and intellectual and political perspectives are a commendable approach. This has placed it at the forefront of informed Palestinian media for decades, and has also made it a destination and haven for competent journalists.

He added: "Al-Quds newspaper conveyed the Palestinian narrative to the world in its true form, as a reliable source not only for Palestinian communities around the world, but also for many groups of people from various backgrounds who follow and keep up with Palestinian affairs. This is clearly noticeable, in addition to its widespread reach among institutions, activists, actors, and supporters in various places and geographies."

Abu Al-Haija concluded his remarks by saying, "All of this places a great responsibility on the newspaper's management, editorial board, and staff to maintain a strong and present editorial approach and digital development, recognizing the newspaper's importance to Palestinian memory and as a reliable source for the flow of information, which has become in need of trust that has been lost in many institutions."

Al-Quds is a national platform and a media institution that goes beyond numbers.

Dr. Fadi Jumaa, Professor of Political Science at the Arab American University, said that Al-Quds newspaper is a national platform and a media institution that transcends numbers. When Al-Quds newspaper reaches a circulation of 20,000, this number cannot be viewed as a passing station in a journalistic record, but rather as a shining mark in the history of a people who have resisted, and continue to resist, with words as well as weapons, with news as well as deeds. In an environment crowded with variables and where the spaces for freedom are shrinking, Al-Quds newspaper remains constant, a bridge connecting the past to the present, and a collective voice that Palestinians, wherever they may be, continue to listen to.

He added: For those who lived through the stages of political development in Palestine, and for those who were eager to know what was happening outside the borders of their city or village, Al-Quds was more than a newspaper. It was our only window, our daily compass. I remember perfectly how, as a student in the early stages of my intellectual development, I would eagerly await its front pages as they hung on the doors of shops. How many times did I read it while standing in the street, among strangers who, like me, drew from the same source that gave us some understanding and some reassurance.

Juma continued: “I will never forget that blind street vendor who would roam the streets of Nablus every morning, carrying a pile of newspapers under his arm, chanting in his soft voice: ‘This is Jerusalem!’… His call carried more than just the name of a newspaper. It conveyed people’s trust, love, and reliance on this newspaper, which encapsulated the details of the homeland and alleviated the reader’s alienation in his besieged homeland.”

"Al-Quds" touches on people's daily issues.

He pointed out that following Al-Quds newspaper was never limited to political affairs, despite their central importance, but extended to touch on people's daily concerns, from social issues to cultural coverage, and even local sports, for which there was no reliable alternative at the time. The newspaper engaged in a daily dialogue with the reader, providing them with a dose of life amidst the oppression and deprivation that surrounded them.

Jumaa said: "Just as we read in Jerusalem news of invasions, martyrs, arrests, and uprisings, its pages also celebrated hope. How many times did we read about a Palestinian student's academic achievement, or see photos of high school graduates adorning its pages in a scene that inspired collective pride. The newspaper contributed to reshaping the Palestinian landscape, not as a perpetual arena of bleeding, but rather as a living, vibrant society capable of achievement despite the siege."

He believed that this accumulation, with all its sincerity and warmth, was what created the strong bond between the newspaper and the people, and what made trust in it an ongoing matter, not governed by a circumstantial moment.

Enshrining freedom of opinion and expression in a restrictive environment

Jumaa added: "In the complex Palestinian political landscape, where military occupation intersects with internal division, and where spaces for expression are sometimes restricted in the name of security or organization, freedom of opinion and expression appears like a minefield. Nevertheless, Al-Quds newspaper has succeeded in maintaining its position as an independent platform that has opened its windows to all opinions, without falling into the trap of dependency or skewing toward superficiality or incitement."

He continued: "Through its editorial policies, the newspaper reflected a genuine belief that a diversity of opinions does not weaken the home front, but rather strengthens it. Dissenting opinions were not excluded, and criticism was not suppressed; rather, it was allowed to be presented within clear professional guidelines, making the newspaper's pages an arena for constructive debate among intellectuals, politicians, and readers alike."

Jumaa said: "At a time when some platforms have become hostage to funding or sectarian rhetoric, Al-Quds has remained committed to representing all factions and movements, without favoritism or marginalization. This is a rare practice in a polarized reality where freedom of expression is almost a luxury. This balance and this broad editorial horizon have enabled the newspaper to play an important role in shaping the Palestinian public sphere and instilling a culture of acceptance of others, responsible criticism, and participation in the national debate."

Consolidating freedom of opinion and expression

He added: The role Jerusalem has played over the decades in consolidating freedom of opinion and expression was not the result of a temporary circumstance or immediate interest, but rather a deliberate institutional choice stemming from the conviction that free speech is one of the pillars of national liberation, and that enabling people to express what they think is the foundation of any democratic or liberation project.

Jumaa continued: "Perhaps what is striking is that this role was not merely a reflection on paper, but rather has become something of a norm in the reader's relationship with the newspaper. People have come to see it as a space they can trust, discuss, and interact with what is published as part of a vital societal debate that lays the foundation for a more open and just horizon."

Juma concluded by saying, "Al-Quds's achievement of this historic number is a testament to its professionalism, but also to the people's trust in it. Between individual memory and the collective dimension, this newspaper maintains its status as a living archive, a witness to an era, and a partner in shaping Palestinian national consciousness."

A broad platform for diversity of ideas

Dr. Ayman Yousef said: "The fact that Al-Quds newspaper reached 20,000 circulation is evidence that it possesses the elements of sustainability as a media platform that embodies and consecrates the Palestinian national narrative. In my opinion, Al-Quds newspaper is one of the oldest, authentic Palestinian newspapers that distinguished itself significantly in conveying the suffering of Palestinians in the Palestinian territories of the West Bank, Gaza, the 1948 territories, and abroad. It had geographical, demographic, and national extensions."

He added: It is well known that "Al-Quds" is written by independent writers, academics, researchers and journalists from various political backgrounds and spectrums, and this is important. Therefore, it is a broad platform for a diversity of ideas in freedom of opinion and expression, political analysis, and neutral, independent and professional media coverage. Indeed, there are new platforms created by Al-Quds newspaper, the diversity of the newspaper's pages from the front page that focuses on the main news and headlines to local news on more than one page, to news of the governorates, news of the Palestinians and the international page, in addition to the analytical columns. All of this enriches and enhances the newspaper, especially since there are also additions related to the cultural, sports and economic pages, so the browser of Al-Quds newspaper feels all of these features and these important characteristics.

The fact that "Al-Quds" was published in the heart of Jerusalem gave it an important dimension.

He continued: "I am one of the people who wrote for Al-Quds newspaper at some point, where articles are carefully reviewed critically and linguistically, without interfering with political opinions when they are presented or during their final review. The fact that Al-Quds is published from the heart of Jerusalem gives it this important dimension, and thus it will continue to convey the Palestinian narrative and Palestinian suffering. It is good that it has moved to digital form and digital journalism, and thus it has become easy to access on social media and websites. We can browse it in our offices, and we can ask our students in universities and schools to browse it."

He concluded by saying: "In my opinion, in light of digital media and the digital world, its audience has become more diverse and cross-border, particularly among Arab readers and foreign readers who are fluent in Arabic. Therefore, I expect the newspaper to emerge with renewed momentum, new writers, and a fresh, new narrative with regard to journalistic work in general."

A milestone in the history of Palestinian media

Writer Israa Al-Aboushi congratulated the Al-Quds newspaper staff on reaching the 20,000th issue, considering it a great achievement that represents a milestone in the history of Palestinian media. She said: “Thanks to its distinguished and reliable content, the newspaper has been able to dedicate its efforts to documenting national events, paying attention to the Palestinian cause, and communicating it to the world with professionalism and objectivity. This dedication to credibly addressing the concerns of the Palestinian people has earned it its pioneering position and its continued success over the years.”

She added, "Al-Quds was not just a newspaper; it played a prominent role in preserving Palestinian national identity and took it upon itself to convey the voice of the Palestinians to the world, serving as a platform that reflected their aspirations and causes under all circumstances."

She continued: “In the folds of days and memories, Al-Quds newspaper remains a beacon that illuminates the minds of generations, bearing witness to moments of joy and sadness that left their mark on the hearts of its readers. Among its pages is a page entitled “Twenty Years Ago.” This page is a mirror that revives the past, telling intimate stories and moments engraved in memory that will never be forgotten. When twenty years passed since the passing of my dear mother, Siham Al-Zagha, may God have mercy on her, as she passed away on March 3, 1984, feelings of loss took over my memory and made me search for Al-Quds newspaper and read the page twenty years ago, specifically issue 99, the issue that carried within it the announcement of her passing. Al-Quds newspaper was not just ordinary papers, but rather became a witness to a profound chapter of my personal story, documenting feelings of sadness with an indelible mark. That page was not just an obituary, but rather an emotional legacy that retells the story of mothers and memory in immortal letters across time. Likewise, the issue announcing the martyrdom of Naji al-Ali, the cartoonist, came as a shock to the newspaper's readers, leaving an indelible mark on Palestinian memory.

A window on the world for the seventies generation

Al-Aboushi continued, "Al-Quds was not just a newspaper; it was a window onto the world for the 1970s generation, nourishing thought with rich content ranging from politics and economics to sports and culture. It was a daily cultural outlet that offered a variety of content that met readers' needs and embraced their aspirations and hopes for a more understanding world closer to their reality."

Regarding the newspaper's keeping pace with technological developments, Al-Aboushi said, "For decades, Al-Quds newspaper has played a pivotal role in shaping Palestinian readers' awareness and highlighting national issues with comprehensiveness and insight. However, its distinction is not limited to the past; it extends to keeping pace with technological developments that have reshaped the features of modern media."

She added: "With the advent of the internet era, we were among the pioneers who embraced modern technologies, launching a website that reflected the aspirations of the digital age, offering diverse and constantly updated content, providing readers with a new way to interact with news and articles. In addition, the newspaper invested in social media platforms to reach a wider audience in a direct and dynamic manner that reflects the pulse and speed of reality."

Enriching the reader's experience by providing visual content

She continued: "Its focus has been on enriching the reader's experience by offering visual content, including photos and video reports, providing a comprehensive window into events from all sides. With this approach, Al-Quds has succeeded in consolidating its media presence, combining authenticity and innovation, to remain an influential voice representing all segments of the Palestinian people."

Regarding the role played by Al-Quds newspaper in the history of Palestinian journalism, Al-Aboushi said: “From the heart of Jerusalem, where the sanctity of place meets the depth of history, Al-Quds newspaper rose as a beacon of Palestinian thought and journalism, carrying within it the concerns of an entire nation and the hopes of a people seeking freedom. Since its launch, it has witnessed the vicissitudes of time and the changing conditions of place, recording catastrophes as well as epics of struggle, as if it were writing history with the ink of loyalty and the courage of words.”

She added: "Al-Quds was not just a newspaper; it was a voice that pulsated with truth and a vision that transcended the boundaries of reality to reflect the dreams and aspirations of Palestinians, overcoming the restrictions imposed by the occupation and the obstacles besieging free media. Al-Quds remained steadfast like an ancient tree that resists the winds, documenting the most important moments of steadfastness and dignity, preserving the essence of its noble message."

She continued: "With the advancements of modern tools, Al-Quds has not fallen behind. Rather, it has marched confidently into the future, leveraging technology to launch digital platforms that engage the minds of new generations and open up broad horizons for news and articles, thus affirming its position not only as a local icon, but also as a bridge connecting the world to the Palestinian cause with impartiality and honesty."

"Jerusalem" inspires generations and writes its history in letters of light.

She continued: "Thus, Al-Quds has continued to inspire generations and write its history in letters of light, bearing witness to an unbreakable struggle and unfading hope. The newspaper's role is to enshrine freedom of opinion and expression and to provide a space for presenting all viewpoints and positions of all Palestinian groups and factions with impartiality and objectivity."

She said: "In the pulse of letters and the stillness of words, Al-Quds newspaper stands tall as an icon, carrying within its pages the trust of the Palestinian story. It was and still is a voice that resonates in the corners of the earth, carrying the concerns and dreams of the people, and charting the horizon of freedom of opinion and expression with complete impartiality and purity."

She added, "Al-Quds, the newspaper that emerged as a spring from the heart of the Palestinian cause, brought together within its folds the diversity of Palestinian thought and the multiplicity of factions, as if it were a mirror that clearly reflected the spirit and determination of the people. Over the years, it embarked on a journey that encompassed within its ink diverse positions and opinions. It was not just words on paper, but a torch that lit a path for constructive dialogue and understanding of the other."

She continued: Amidst the challenges, Al-Quds newspaper has remained steadfast like a solid mountain, unshakable before the winds of time, keeping pace with the transformations of the era by moving from the pages of paper to digital spaces. It has preserved the essence of its noble message, remaining more than just a source of news; it is a legacy of authenticity and a symbol of resistance. It has inscribed in the memory of generations the tune of struggle and the dream of a homeland that is neither restless nor broken.

"Jerusalem" is the most common word in the Palestinian community.

Writer Sari Samour congratulated Al-Quds newspaper on reaching its 20,000th circulation, saying, "There is no doubt that Al-Quds newspaper is widely read and is the most widely circulated newspaper in the Palestinian community, with its pros and cons. 'There is no perfection. Perfection belongs to God Almighty.' It has gained the respect of readers. And the fact that it is published in the city of Jerusalem has given it a special symbolism."

He added: "Personally, I used to read Al-Quds newspaper when I was a young child. The Al-Quds newspaper office was run by the late Kazem Abdul Hadi. During the summer holidays, I used to work for my uncle in his nearby shop. He used to send me to buy Al-Quds newspaper, and that's when I started reading the newspaper."

He explained that Al-Quds newspaper represents a complete archive, especially the "Jerusalem 20 Years Ago" column, which began 30 years ago, in addition to opinion articles that express all Islamic, national, leftist, and independent positions and various viewpoints. It also strives to bypass the Israeli military censor, who watches over its every word.

Digital media overthrows print media

He added: "With the spread of satellite channels and the internet, and then the world of social media and smartphones, people's interest in the printed word has been affected, whether in Al-Quds newspaper or others. Here comes the role of those in charge of the newspaper in paying attention to everything that is exclusive to it, meaning that it is only available in the printed issue, and not in the digital issue or on other websites or newspapers. We have witnessed the demise of wall magazines and many other things, and we will unfortunately witness the demise of print media, and this is the way of life."

He continued: There is a special charm and ritual to opening the newspaper, drinking a cup of coffee, smoking a cigarette, and browsing the news, analytical materials, and advertisements. I know that the smartphone has eliminated this phenomenon, but nostalgia for the past always pulls us. I am from the veteran generation that saw the pre-digital era and the digital era, and lived through both periods and dealt with both stages. One of the special things I remember was the column written by the late Maher Al-Alami under the name "Concerns." "Hadith Al-Quds" is one of the best columns that touches the pulse of the Palestinian citizen who cannot make his voice heard or explain what is raging in his chest, whether social or political.