Separated by only 66km, the connection between Amman and Jerusalem goes beyond geography, according to Al Quds Committee at the University of Jordan’s student union.

At an event organised on campus by the committee on Thursday, members said they aim to raise awareness on the background and historical stances of Jordan towards Jerusalem and Palestine.

“Our connection is not only limited to one sector, it is historical and geographical. Since 1924, when Jordan started its official custodianship of the holy sites in Jerusalem,” a committee member told The Jordan Times.

The activist added: “Recently, many conflicts are happening and issues have been raised regarding the custodianship of Al Aqsa and other Muslim and Christian holy sites. Jordan is the only Arab country responsible for protecting the mosque.”

The event, she said, was held to show students the importance of being involved in political stances against violations in Al Aqsa Mosque and to show how the Jordanian authorities and the Awqaf Ministry have worked on the restoration of Al Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites.

Israeli violations at Al Haram Al Sharif, committee members said, include attacking Muslim worshippers, restricting the entry of visitors and Muslims to Al Aqsa on religious occasions and attacking the site.

“We are here to show our solidarity with Palestine, and… to show the authorities that we disapprove of some decisions made recently in Jordan that do not go with our efforts to protect Jerusalem’s sites,” the activist, who requested anonymity, added.

“The gas deal, for instance, does not match Jordan’s efforts to protect and restore holy sites in Jerusalem,” she said, in reference to the deal between the National Electric Power Company and Noble Energy to import gas from Israel.

The government has said the deal is in the Kingdom’s national interest and does not undermine Jordan’s efforts to defend occupied Palestinian territories.

University student Baraa Ahmad said that holding a seminar helps the people know their rights and responsibilities towards important historical sites in Jordan and Palestine.

“The holy sites in Jerusalem represent us. We are reaching out to the largest possible number of students by handing out brochures and posters showing Jordan’s efforts for the mosque and how we can contribute,” she told The Jordan Times.