Hatem Abdel Qader: "Al-Quds" has proven over the decades its status as a free and independent platform that combines journalistic professionalism with a commitment to national principles.

Aziz Al-Assa: As we browse through issue twenty thousand, we are faced with an important occasion in which the dream is realized and becomes a reality on the ground.

Salwa Hadeeb: Jerusalemites treated Al-Quds newspaper as an integral part of their daily lives, conveying their hopes, pains, and aspirations.

Fouad Jabr: After the setback, we in Jerusalem had no source of news until Al-Quds appeared and became the reliable source of news and the national position.

Dr. Talal Abu Afifa: Al-Quds newspaper has proven its ability to continue publishing over the decades despite all the financial and occupation obstacles.

Engineer Samer Nassibeh: The 20,000th issue is a living testament to a long-standing media career that has withstood political transformations, occupation pressures, and the challenges of the digital age.

Najah Muslim: Reaching the 20,000th anniversary of Al-Quds is an important milestone that deserves pause and analysis in light of the major challenges facing print journalism.

Ismail Muslimani: Al-Quds opened its pages to diverse intellectual and political voices and maintained relative independence amid complex challenges.

Imad Mona: Despite all the challenges, lack of resources, war, Israeli obstacles, and distribution problems, the newspaper continued to publish, and that in itself is a great achievement.

Dr. Amjad Shehab: "Al-Quds" is the most important newspaper in Palestine and has played a significant role in spreading awareness throughout Palestine since its founding.

Muhammad Zahayka: Al-Quds has adopted a realistic approach to political discourse and has become a journalism school from which dozens of journalists have graduated.

Daoud Kitab: Despite the pain, occupation, and Judaization of Jerusalem, Al-Quds newspaper remained a beacon, a source of information, and an inspiration for the steadfast in the holy city.

In the course of time, Al-Quds newspaper entered its fifty-ninth year, bearing the name of the Lady of Cities, the Holy of Holies, the Flower of Cities, the Desire of Hearts, and the Eternal Capital of Palestine, even though it was first launched in 1951.

According to the number calculations, Al-Quds newspaper today, Thursday, has its twenty thousandth issue, with its full presence, its contributions, and the pride of its audience, marking a milestone in the history of Palestinian and even Arab journalism, and overcoming all the difficulties it has faced since the occupiers first set foot in the eastern part of the city of Jerusalem in the 1967 aggression.

The fact that Al-Quds newspaper reached its 20,000th issue is an event worthy of celebration and contemplation. We believe that many print publications have not withstood the digital revolution and have been forced to leave the media landscape. This is in addition to the many difficulties Al-Quds newspaper has faced under the Israeli occupation and its military censorship, the financial crises, especially in recent years, and the major transformations currently taking place in the region and the world.

In separate interviews with Al-Quds, writers, journalists, politicians, activists, interested parties, and citizens shared their memories of Al-Quds, the Palestinian newspaper par excellence. They praised the role it played as a free, independent, and professional platform, opening its pages to all affiliations and orientations without discrimination. They also praised its role as a carrier of a well-known political, cultural, and national message, documenting the history of the Palestinian cause throughout its various stages.

A pivotal moment in the history of Palestinian journalism

Hatem Abdel Qader, Secretary-General of the Islamic Christian Committee for the Support of Jerusalem and Holy Sites, said: "At a pivotal moment in the history of Palestinian journalism, Al-Quds newspaper celebrates the publication of its 20,000th issue, a journey of journalistic struggle rooted in the soil of the Holy City, reflecting the honest voice of the Palestinian people.

He added: "Since its founding by the late Mahmoud Abu Al-Zuluf in 1951, Al-Quds newspaper has not only been a mere newspaper, but has also been a living witness to the developments of the Palestinian cause and a platform for defending Palestinian rights in the face of misleading campaigns targeting the Palestinian narrative. Over the course of decades, the newspaper has proven its standing as a free and independent platform that combines journalistic professionalism with a commitment to Palestinian national principles."

Affirming and consecrating the Arab identity of Jerusalem

He pointed out that Al-Quds newspaper played a major role in affirming and consecrating the Arab identity of Jerusalem and confronted the occupation's attempts to obliterate the Arab identity of the holy city. It was a mirror reflecting the violations and Judaization of the land and holy sites to which Jerusalem and the people of Jerusalem were subjected. It was always on the ground, monitoring the attacks, telling the stories of those who remained steadfast in their land, and launching the cries of the holy city to the world.

Abdul Qader emphasized that the celebration of the 20,000th issue of Al-Quds newspaper is a celebration of the journey of a nation, a people, and a newspaper that has become a constant pillar of Palestinian consciousness.

Abdul Qader concluded by saying: All respect and appreciation to the Al-Quds newspaper family, which carried the trust, remained faithful to the message, and transformed the word into a national consciousness rooted in the pulse of the Palestinian people.

The late King Hussein's decision to unify "Jihad" and "Defense"

For his part, the writer and researcher interested in Jerusalem affairs, Aziz Al-Asaa, said: In accordance with the ethical rule that states the necessity of returning credit to its people, and at this critical moment in the life of “Al-Quds Newspaper”, and we are facing issue number (20,000), which crowns (58) years and more of continuous work, we remember the late King Hussein who issued a royal decree to unify the newspapers issued in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan into two newspapers: one of them is issued in Jerusalem under the name Al-Quds, and the other is issued in Amman. The first issue of the newspaper was issued under the name “Al-Quds” on 03-21-1967 AD.

He added: We also remember the late Mahmoud Abu Al-Zuluf, the owner of the franchise, who summarized the essence of the newspaper, in the editorial of its first issue, by saying: “It is the result of the merger of the Al-Jihad and Al-Difaa newspapers. “Jihad” and “Difaa” call upon us to merge into a new, strong journalistic institution in which energies are focused to produce a new child that will soon become a giant - God willing - which is... “Al-Quds Newspaper.”

Al-Assa pointed out that less than three months after the publication of that issue, the June War broke out, ending with the completion of Israel's occupation of what remained of Jerusalem. The occupiers closed the newspaper, and after deliberations, it resumed publication on November 19, 1968. The late Abu Al-Zuluf continued to develop Al-Quds Newspaper, and oversaw every detail of it, to the point that he saw in each issue the birth of a new son, until his death on March 28, 2005.

A fully-fledged media empire

He added: "Al-Quds newspaper has become a fully fledged media empire; an Arab Palestinian newspaper that occupies an area of two and a half dunams in Beit Hanina, the Palestinian Jerusalemite neighborhood that the occupation sought to Judaize, imposing the name "Atarot" on it, while the actual Arab Palestinian institutions that exist there impose a reality that the occupation finds difficult to swallow."

He said: Now, as we browse through the twenty thousandth issue, we are facing an important occasion in which the dream is realized and becomes a reality on the ground, as we aspire to a media institution, of Jerusalemite origin, branch, passion and identity, that carries the daily Palestinian concerns to the world, and brings world news to the Palestinian citizen, from which he draws knowledge that contributes to shaping his cultural and intellectual personality. Moreover, this newspaper, with its highly professional characteristics and features, has placed it in the position of the most influential soft power in confronting the occupation and its hostile and aggressive plans against the Palestinian people, and has placed it in the first line of defense of the Palestinian cause, and of the Palestinian people's right to return, statehood and self-determination, sooner or later.

Al-Quds newspaper is part of my childhood memory.

In turn, Fatah Revolutionary Council member Salwa Hadeeb said: “From a very early age, I opened my eyes to reading Al-Quds newspaper, which my family—my father, mother, brothers, and sisters—were keen to read and benefit from, as it was the only printable newspaper in Jerusalem, besides the radio.”

She added: "Al-Quds newspaper is comprehensive and complete in publishing everything that interests the reader. It is diverse in its political, social, economic, cultural, national, and religious topics, a diversity that meets the reader's aspirations and desires. It is also the only non-partisan newspaper that stands at the same distance from everyone... bold in its approach, its criticism, and its approach."

She noted that Jerusalemites have treated Al-Quds newspaper as an integral part of their daily lives since its founding in 1951. She added, "How could it not be, when it conveys their hopes, their pain, their aspirations, and even the details of daily life, both in Jerusalem and across the Palestinian national spectrum? It addresses national issues in their political, economic, social, and cultural dimensions, and you can hardly find a single page that doesn't attract the attention of a diverse readership."

"Jerusalem" has become a moral property of every Jerusalemite.

She continued: "Over the years, Al-Quds newspaper has become part of the cultural heritage of our holy city. Just as its name is linked to Jerusalem, so too is the conscience of Jerusalemites, who have seen it for generations as a shining mirror that reflects them.

She said: Today, everyone who is zealous and concerned about the city of Jerusalem is also concerned about this newspaper that has lived with the people of Jerusalem and conveyed their concerns and interests over many decades. This newspaper is no longer solely the property of the honorable Abu Al-Zuluf family, who were the first to establish and manage it, but has become the moral property of every Jerusalemite who is zealous about this city. We always wish Al-Quds newspaper development, success, and excellence, as we have always been accustomed to, so that it remains an integral part of our extended national heritage.

Boosting morale in the darkest of times

For his part, Jerusalemite writer Fouad Jabr said: “On this day, when Al-Quds publishes its 20,000th issue, its readers – including me – are reminded of the years following the June 1967 war, when the Palestinian citizen was going through the harsh circumstances of the setback and its effects. We in Jerusalem and the rest of the occupied territories had no source of news other than the Israeli radio – and not all the news – until Al-Quds newspaper appeared and became the reliable and trusted source of news and the national position in guiding and addressing issues, and raising morale in the darkest of circumstances.” He added: “After that, several national Jerusalemite newspapers and magazines were published, but Al-Quds distinguished itself in form and content and sat on the throne of Palestinian journalism under the leadership of the dean of Palestinian journalists, the late Mahmoud Abu Al-Zuluf, along with the editorial staff, correspondents, writers and employees.”

He continued: I did not work as a journalist for Al-Quds newspaper, but I had a friendship with the late elder brother "Abu Marwan", and he and the newspaper had unforgettable generous and honorable positions with me. In 1975, I published the "Arab Business Directory", and it was not for profit, and he supported me through a free advertising campaign. Immediately after the directory was published, Teddy Kollek, the mayor of the occupation in Jerusalem at the time, issued a news item stating, "I published the directory with financial support from the municipality." Of course, the news had to be denied, so Al-Quds newspaper, and other Jerusalem newspapers followed suit, published a news item entitled (Teddy Kollek is lying). Al-Quds newspaper continued its support during my lawsuit against Teddy Kollek until he officially apologized and corrected the news.

A supportive position for the establishment of the Journalists Association

Jabr pointed out another stance that he still remembers and appreciates from the late “Abu Marwan”, which is his support for the idea of establishing a syndicate for journalists with the aim of improving their conditions. “It was an idea that I proposed at the time and consulted with him about, and he supported it, even though he was the owner of a newspaper that might be subject to demands from employees in the future. At the time, other Jerusalem newspapers opposed the idea and attacked us. At that time, Al-Quds was publishing our news, articles, and advertisements for free until we held the founding meeting of the syndicate, which at the time bore the name of the Journalists Association. The late brother Muhammad Awad accompanied me in following up on the establishment and reviewing the official Jordanian authorities and the Palestine Liberation Organization until we obtained the license from the Israeli Ministry of Interior. Of course, the late Abu Marwan was a great supporter, and the association was transformed into a union after the establishment of the Palestinian Authority and its president, the late Naim Tubasi.”

He said: "This is Jerusalem, and what do you know about Jerusalem? It continued its journey along a thorny path filled with obstacles and difficulties, yet it succeeded, proved its worth, and overcame all the difficulties of the struggle. I was honored to have my articles published on its pages for many years, when I was a journalist and then became a banker."

He concluded by saying: “I pray for the souls of Al-Quds’ founder, editor, and owner, the late Mahmoud Abu Al-Zuluf (Abu Marwan), and I wish success to its current editorial staff, who continue their arduous struggle in the service of our just Palestinian cause. May Al-Quds remain a free media platform through which ideas and viewpoints are presented on various political, economic, social, and other issues, in a way that serves our cause, our people, and our homeland.”

A distinguished newspaper for more than half a century

Dr. Talal Abu Afifa, a member of the General Secretariat of the General Union of Palestinian Writers and Authors, extended his congratulations and appreciation to the management of Al-Quds newspaper and its employees on the occasion of the publication of the 20,000th issue of this distinguished newspaper over more than half a century.

He said: Certainly, Al-Quds newspaper has proven, over the decades, its worthiness in continuing to publish despite all the financial and occupation obstacles and despite all the hardships of life. Al-Quds newspaper, especially with its new look, its distinguished editor-in-chief, its editors and correspondents, has shone and illuminated the Palestinian and Arab space once again, and has followed every local, Arab and international event, especially the painful and bloody events taking place in Gaza and a number of cities, villages and camps in the West Bank.

He added: "We are hopeful that Al-Quds newspaper will continue to be published until the Day of Judgment, as it bears the name of Jerusalem, the first of the two Qiblas (directions of prayer), the place of Isra' and Mi'raj (ascension) of our noble Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, the capital of the Palestinian state, and close to Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, and before that, the land of Jebus and Canaan, the land of history and civilization throughout time."

A national platform and a mirror of the pulse of the Palestinian street

Businessman and engineer Samer Nuseibeh said: "The 20,000th issue of Al-Quds newspaper is not just a number; it is a living testament to a long-standing media career that has withstood political transformations, changes in Palestinian reality, pressures from the occupation, and the challenges of the digital age. It has kept pace with the various phases of the Palestinian cause."

He added: "Over the decades since its launch by the late dean of Palestinian journalism, Mahmoud Abu Al-Zuluf, Al-Quds has been more than just a newspaper; it has been a national platform, a mirror of the pulse of the Palestinian people, and a collective memory that preserves the details of daily and political life in Jerusalem and across the nation."

He continued: "In our occupied homeland, while the occupation's policies have not ceased their attempts to empty Jerusalem and Palestine of their national identity, Al-Quds newspaper has been—and continues to be—one of the most prominent pillars of cultural and national steadfastness."

Naseebah explained that despite the harsh conditions, Al-Quds newspaper maintained a high degree of professionalism and independence. It was a free voice reflecting Palestinian diversity, without losing its national compass or being associated with any Palestinian or Arab party at the expense of the cause and principles. It is the newspaper of all Palestinians. Today, in an era when social media platforms fill the space, Al-Quds remains a reliable source of news, a reference for opinion, and a home for readers.

He extended his congratulations to the newspaper's staff, the honorable Abu Al-Zulf family, its readers, and everyone who contributed to the continuation of this journey. He concluded by saying: May this free platform remain present, pulsating, from the heart of the ever-present capital, Jerusalem. And before and after all of that, we say peace be upon the soul of its founder, the dean of Palestinian journalism, the late Mahmoud Abu Al-Zulf (Uncle Abu Marwan), without whom this newspaper, a living page in the history of modern Palestine, would not have existed.

Remarkable ability to evolve and adapt

For her part, journalist and university lecturer at the College of Media, Najah Musallam, said: “There is no doubt that Al-Quds newspaper reaching its 20,000th issue is an important milestone that deserves pause and analysis, especially in light of the major challenges facing print journalism in the digital age. Al-Quds has demonstrated a remarkable ability to evolve and adapt, both in terms of news analysis of domestic and international issues, and through its hosting of analysts and journalists from various schools of thought, which has strengthened its credibility. Furthermore, its allocation of large spaces to opinion and its opening of the field to writers and intellectuals from diverse backgrounds and intellectual orientations reflects a professional awareness of the importance of pluralism and freedom of expression, which are essential elements of any mature media experience.”

Muslim added: "However, today, more than ever, the newspaper is required to re-evaluate its digital tools and invest more deeply in interactive, multimedia content that keeps pace with the rapid media transformation. This is particularly relevant to attracting the digital generation, the youth who were born and shaped by the internet, smart apps, and social media platforms, and who primarily rely on mobile devices for their information consumption."

She added: "Reaching this generation requires a fast, interactive visual discourse, delivered in a digital language that aligns with their changing consumer landscape. Maintaining an independent editorial line in a complex political environment requires editorial courage and high professionalism, something I hope Al-Quds will continue to adhere to, to remain a platform that expresses the people and transcends borders."

Issue 20,000: A landmark historical and media event

In turn, Jerusalemite writer and political analyst Ismail Muslimmani said: "With the publication of the 20,000th issue of Al-Quds newspaper, we mark a historic and media milestone, encapsulating a long history of journalistic giving and national stances. Since its launch in 1951, the newspaper has established itself as a free platform in the heart of Jerusalem, conveying the concerns and hopes of the Palestinian people and documenting the details of daily life and the national struggle in the darkest of circumstances."

He added: "Jerusalem has played a pivotal role in shaping public awareness through its consistent and accurate coverage, opening its pages to diverse intellectual and political voices, while maintaining relative independence amid complex challenges of occupation, political pressures, and media transformations."

Muslimmani pointed out that what distinguishes the newspaper is not only its continuity despite all these challenges, but also its commitment to the values of the profession and its ability to adapt to the times, through its print edition and subsequent integration into digital media to reach new generations.

He continued: "At this symbolic moment, we salute everyone who has contributed to the continuity of this journalistic edifice, from founders to writers, editors, and readers. Al-Quds is not just a newspaper; it is a national memory, a record of struggle, and a daily space for expressing the spirit of Palestine."

One of the most prominent and influential Palestinian newspapers

He explained that Al-Quds newspaper has been considered one of the most prominent and influential Palestinian newspapers since its founding. Here is a commentary on its history, role, impact, and independence:

Newspaper history:

It is one of the oldest Palestinian newspapers that has continued to be published until today.

Since its inception, the newspaper has been a platform for reporting local and international news, with a focus on the Palestinian issue.

Her role:

- Media: It played a pivotal role in documenting Palestinian events, from the occupation to the uprisings, making it a reliable source of information.

- Cultural: She contributed to spreading Palestinian culture and strengthening national identity through her articles and analyses.

- Political: It was a platform for conveying the voice of Palestinians to the world, focusing on their suffering and hopes.

Its effect:

- Contributed to shaping Palestinian and Arab awareness of national issues.

- She was a source of inspiration for many Palestinian journalists and writers.

- She influenced international public opinion through her continuous coverage of events in Palestine.

Its independence:

Despite political challenges and pressures, the newspaper has largely maintained its independence, earning it the respect of readers.

- It has always sought to provide balanced and objective coverage, with a focus on national issues.

Muslimani emphasized that the publication of the 20,000th issue is a major achievement that reflects the newspaper's continuity and its vital role in the Palestinian media landscape.

High popularity, credibility and objectivity

Imad Mona, owner of the Jerusalem Scientific Library, congratulated Al-Quds newspaper, its management, staff, and those in charge, on the occasion of the publication of its 20,000th issue. He said, "We congratulate the newspaper on its continued publication throughout these years, serving the Jerusalemite community and Palestinian society in general."

He added: "In fact, Al-Quds newspaper has played a significant role over the years, since its founding, in enlightenment, disseminating information, delivering news, and raising awareness among readers. It had a broad fan base, was well-known and popular, and enjoyed credibility, objectivity, and other important journalistic values."

Mona continued: "However, like many newspapers, whether local in the country, in the Arab world, or even globally, it has been greatly affected by digital media and social media, just as all other media outlets, including magazines, books, and others, have been affected. This has led to the decline of the role of newspapers in the face of the significant advances in the social media platforms we are all familiar with, such as Facebook, TikTok, WhatsApp, and others. Among those affected was Al-Quds newspaper."

The need to keep pace with rapid digital development

He continued, "I believe this is where the real challenge for Al-Quds newspaper, and other newspapers, begins: How do we keep pace with the new era in light of this technology? How do we keep pace with the accelerating digital development?"

Mona said: "Perhaps daily news, which is quickly being covered by social media platforms, has lost its value as a newspaper's exclusive domain. Therefore, it might be useful for the newspaper to focus on analyses and in-depth, diverse topics that are of greater interest to the public. It is also very important that we, as journalists at Al-Quds newspaper, have the ability to gauge the public's opinion: What do they want? What are their interests? What are their orientations? And how can we meet their aspirations? In other words, how do we attract new readers to the newspaper by keeping up with their changing interests? I believe this is the role of the newspaper today."

Mona concluded by saying, "All thanks and appreciation to the newspaper for its tremendous efforts and its determination to continue to this day, despite all the challenges, despite the scarcity of resources, the war, Israeli obstacles, distribution problems, and the difficulty of reaching people. Despite all these obstacles, the newspaper has continued, and that in itself is a great achievement and a real challenge."

"Al-Quds" meets the needs of the Palestinian reader

For his part, the Director of Al-Shihab College of Jerusalem, Dr. Amjad Shihab, said: "Al-Quds newspaper is considered the most important newspaper in Palestine, having played a significant role in spreading awareness throughout Palestine since its founding. It has been a key source of information for Palestinian readers, particularly in the field of analyzing local, regional, and international news."

He added: "Al-Quds newspaper has had an impact on Palestinian public opinion through its publication of events and analyses on hot issues of concern to ordinary citizens in a language that is more easily understood and accessible."

Shehab continued, "Despite technological advancements at the expense of print media, Al-Quds newspaper maintains a balance of essential elements as a daily newspaper. It has maintained freedom of expression despite the occupation's strict restrictions and censorship."

Shehab concluded by saying: "Al-Quds newspaper provides a space to convey the pulse of the Palestinian street and provides people with sufficient information and reports on what is happening around them at the regional and international levels."

Al-Quds newspaper was distinguished by its independence of opinion.

In turn, the Jerusalemite journalist Muhammad Zahayka said: “For me, working for Al-Quds was my dream, so as soon as it opened a press services office in 1985 on Salah al-Din Street, I rushed to the newspaper’s offices on Ali Bin Abi Talib Street, which branches off from Salah al-Din Street, and met the late Mahmoud Abu al-Zuluf “Abu Marwan”, the founder, owner and proprietor of Al-Quds, who encouraged me to write for the newspaper. He also asked me to write some articles specifically for Al-Quds, and paid me a generous monthly bonus.”

Zahayka added: "From that time, I began publishing in Al-Quds newspaper, discovering its worlds and its role in embracing the cause of the Palestinian people in a dignified manner, far from the resonant slogans and hateful populism, and focusing on the overwhelming facts that condemn the occupation, its oppressive practices, and its actions on the ground to change the features of the city of Jerusalem and Palestine in general, and to distort the cultural and civilizational identity of the Palestinian people.

Zahayka pointed out that Al-Quds newspaper was distinguished by its independence of opinion and its presentation of the just Palestinian position without restricting opinions. It opened its pages to all Jerusalemites and Palestinians, and allowed all opinions and visions to compete intellectually and politically in the national orchard, far from tension and empty rhetoric.

He added: "It can be said that Al-Quds newspaper has long been a school of journalism, from which dozens of journalistic cadres have graduated over time, especially since it has established for itself a realistic approach to political and objective discourse that supports the justice of the Palestinian cause. This has had a clear impact on successive Palestinian generations and has contributed to refining the talents of groups of Palestinian elites who have come to play a prominent role in Palestinian political, cultural and economic life."

Zahayka concluded by saying: "Al-Quds" was and still is a media beacon that shines its light in Jerusalem and the surrounding area.

A special issue that reflects determination and perseverance

Jerusalemite journalist Daoud Kuttab said: Despite the pain, occupation, and Judaization of Jerusalem, Al-Quds newspaper has remained a beacon and a source of information, inspiring the steadfast people of the holy city. It has been innovative in the digital age, with an Arab and global presence, conveying what is happening in Palestine to the world, and what is happening in the world to Palestine.

He added: "I have worked and written for Al-Quds newspaper for five decades, and there is no doubt that despite the difficulties and crises that Palestine has experienced, Al-Quds, the newspaper, and Al-Quds the city, remain resilient and steadfast despite the occupation, the war of extermination, and Judaization."

He congratulated the writers of Al-Quds and the pioneering Abu Al-Zuluf family on the publication of this special issue, which reflects their determination and perseverance despite difficulties and challenges. He also congratulated the editors of Al-Quds newspaper, wishing it continued prosperity and success.