The German Jordanian University (GJU) held a solidarity vigil on Sunday to condemn the terrorist attack targeting the Greek Orthodox Church in the town of Hamoud, Karak Governorate, express solidarity with the families of the victims and the injured, and reaffirm the unity of Jordanians, the rejection of terrorism and extremism, and the importance of upholding the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Members of the academic and administrative staff, along with university students, took part in the vigil.
GJU President Prof. Dr. Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli stressed that targeting innocent people and violating the sanctity of places of worship are incompatible with religious and humanitarian values. He emphasized that the unity of Jordanians and the sanctity of their lives and places of worship are red lines, adding that the suffering of the people of Karak is shared by every Jordanian. He noted that Muslim and Christian Jordanians form one family united by their national identity and shared destiny, and that religious, cultural, and social diversity is a source of strength for Jordanian society. He also underscored the importance of safeguarding national unity and rejecting discord, fanaticism, and hate speech.
Al-Halhouli highlighted the responsibility of academic institutions to promote citizenship, the rule of law, dialogue, and respect for pluralism, while strengthening young people’s awareness of their national responsibilities. He called for solidarity around the Hashemite leadership and support for the Jordan Armed Forces and security agencies in protecting the country’s security and stability. He also stressed the importance of verifying information before sharing it.
For his part, Dr. Malek Bassam Al-Thawabieh, Director of the Naour Awqaf Office, emphasized the importance of strengthening social cohesion and national unity and rejecting religious and sectarian intolerance, as well as tendencies that threaten social cohesion. He noted that the unity of Jordanians serves as a bulwark against discord, hatred, and anything that threatens Jordan’s security and stability. He added that Islamic teachings promote brotherhood, compassion, and mutual support, calling for the reinforcement of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. He prayed for Jordan to continue enjoying security and peace, for the victims to be granted God’s mercy, and for the injured to recover swiftly.
Dr. Ma’moun Akroush stated that the vigil represents a national stand against terrorism and expresses Jordanians’ solidarity in confronting the attack targeting innocent people in Karak. He noted that such acts would not undermine the unity and cohesion of Jordanians. He also highlighted the important role of the Jordan Armed Forces and security agencies in protecting the country and preserving its security and stability. He called for upholding national unity and rallying around the Hashemite leadership, while extending his condolences to the victims’ families and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, Dr. Omar Al-Batayneh, Dean of Student Affairs, affirmed the university community’s solidarity with the families of the victims and the injured. He highlighted the role of universities in promoting respect, tolerance, and social responsibility, raising students’ awareness of the importance of verifying information before sharing it, and rejecting hate speech. These efforts, he noted, contribute to safeguarding national unity and fostering a culture of dialogue and coexistence within the university community.
The vigil concluded with a reaffirmation of Jordanians’ unity and solidarity in confronting terrorism and extremism, upholding the values of citizenship, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, and safeguarding the country’s security and stability.
The university community prayed for Jordan to continue enjoying security and peace, for the victims to rest in God’s abundant mercy, for their families to be granted patience and solace, and for the injured to make a full and speedy recovery.