Knowledge & Discourse

Journal

Perspective papers, research, and critical discourse from the Jerusalem Academy of the Arts. Our journal explores themes of return, collective liberation, cultural preservation, and the power of imagination in the struggle for justice.

Issue N.1Jerusalem in Exile•2024

We Must Return to Another to Return Together

Understanding Radical Ideologies and the Palestinian Problem

Jerusalem Academy of the ArtsJerusalem Academy of the Arts

"Colonization of the imagination is the most dangerous and subversive form there is: for it is where all other forms of decolonization are born. When the imagination is unshackled, liberation is limitless."

— Walidah Imarisha

This perspective paper explores the concept of 'radical' from its Latin root 'radix' meaning 'root,' examining how fragmentation caused by colonialism has severed the ancestral roots, authenticity, and values of Palestinians. It presents a vision for collective liberation through returning to ancestral practices, reviving community spaces (muntadas), and embracing limitless imagination.

Key Themes

  • •The etymology of 'radical' and returning to roots
  • •Fragmentation of Palestinian clans as the root problem
  • •The concept of Return as both physical and spiritual
  • •Muntadas as spaces for critical thinking and creativity
  • •The continuum of collective liberation
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Issue N.2Jerusalem in Exile•2024

Akka, Palestine

Northern Palestine — History, Catastrophe, and the Promise of Return

Jerusalem Academy of the ArtsJerusalem Academy of the Arts

"The door was open, we entered, and on the table we saw pita bread and coffee, probably the tenants in the house were in the middle of breakfast, and on the floor there were tiny shoes of a baby, I guess they didn't have enough time to put his shoes on."

— Hava Keller, former Haganah member

Akka, the 3rd oldest city in the world and a historic fishing village, is located on the Northern Coast of Palestine. This paper traces the rich history of Akka from its ancient origins through Crusader occupation, Ottoman rule, and the British Mandate, to the catastrophic events of 1948 when Zionist forces imposed a siege that reduced the population from 30,000 to just 3,000 Akkawis.

Key Themes

  • •Ancient history of Akka and its strategic importance
  • •Zahir al-Umar and Northern Palestinian autonomy
  • •British Mandate period and resistance
  • •The siege and ethnic cleansing of 1948
  • •Cultural preservation and the promise of return
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Issue N.3Jerusalem in Exile•2025

Nazareth, Palestine

Northern Palestine — An-Nasira, the Helper

Jerusalem Academy of the ArtsJerusalem Academy of the Arts

"For 78 years, the city of Nazareth, hometown of Jesus Christ, has faced pressure, discrimination, and economic hardship. Its Palestinian residents remain steadfast in preserving their heritage and await reunion with their exiled brothers and sisters. They are waiting for our return."

— Jerusalem Academy of the Arts

An-Nasira, meaning 'the Helper,' is where the Angel Gabriel announced to Mother Mary she would give birth to Jesus. Dating back to 2000 BC, Nazareth is located 18 miles southeast of Haifa and 15 miles west of the Sea of Galilee, nestled between the hills of Mount Tabor. This paper traces the city's transformation under Zahir al-Umar, its prosperity as a market center, and the events of 1948 when Operation Dekel devastated surrounding villages while Nazareth itself narrowly escaped total destruction.

Key Themes

  • •Ancient origins and the Annunciation to Mother Mary
  • •Zahir al-Umar's campaign to unify Northern Palestine
  • •The eight historic quarters and thriving souks of 1914
  • •Operation Dekel and the destruction of Saffuriyah
  • •Israeli discriminatory policies and Nazareth Illit
  • •78 years of steadfast resistance and cultural preservation

Notable Artists from Nazareth

  • •Michael Khleifi (1950) — Founder of Contemporary Palestinian Cinema
  • •Hisham Zreiq (1968) — Pioneer of Computer Fine Art
  • •Dib Joubran (1876–1951) — Founder of Palestinian Oud-making
  • •Khalil al-Halabi (1889–1964) — Pioneer of religious icon painting
  • •Hanna al-Mismar (1880s–1950s) — Oldest Palestinian sculptor
  • •Michel Haddad (1919–1994) — Pioneer of modern Arab poetry

Notable Institutions to Visit

  • •Saffourieh Museum for Heritage and Return
  • •Liwan Culture Cafe
  • •NAZART Art Gallery & Atelier
  • •Basata Gallery & Cafe
  • •Zahir Al-Umar Saraya of Nazareth
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We welcome submissions from Palestinian writers, artists, and thinkers exploring themes of return, cultural preservation, and collective liberation.

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