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We were singing for Jerusalem as Makassar cathedral was attacked
I always believe Islam is a very peaceful and tolerant religion, as most of its followers have demonstrated. Religious leaders, however, need to redouble their efforts to prevent people from misusing religion to justify their acts of killing.
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A police officer stands guard in front of the Makassar Catholic Cathedral in South Sulawesi on Monday. A day before, two suicide bombers detonate a bomb at the church's courtyard, killing them and injuring at least 19 churchgoers and church officials. (Antara/Arnas Padda)
E
arly morning on Palm Sunday, the 11-member Daughters of Jerusalem were singing the The Holy City hymn in Arabic — some say it was mixed with Hebrew — while walking down the streets of Jerusalem, where the Al Aqsa Mosque could be seen from afar. The girls also chanted Allahu Akbar (God is Great). Their cheerful faces were in stark contrast to the state of Palestinians who cannot live in their own homeland. The teenagers expressed hope and optimism, no matter what.
Thousands of miles away Princeton Girlchoir performed the song in English in the United States. The two choirs performed in perfect harmony.
It was such an alluring combination of beautiful minds from the young girls. I read an article that described their collaboration as “a powerful act of solidarity from young women in a country [the US], Palestinians usually do not experience as a constructive contributor on the path to peace and justice.”
The video clip was widely circulated on WhatsApp groups. The song is inseparable from the Palm Sunday ritual, which marks the start of Holy Week. On Palm Sunday, Christians observe Jesus Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey just five days before His death on the cross. Welcoming followers spread palm branches, a symbol of victory, on the road and called Him Hosanna (Savior), just a few days before the Jews were to demand that He be crucified.
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem!
Lift up your gates and sing
Hosanna in the highest
