Writer: Hala Sakakini
Book: Jerusalem and I

Throughout history, Jerusalem City (Al-Quds) has always held a special place in the hearts and minds of Palestinians. It has been a beacon of intellectual and scholarly activity, a hub of learning opportunities, and a center of literary excellence.

In Palestinian literature, Jerusalem City has left an indelible mark. Dr. Ali Al-Jariri, a renowned Palestinian researcher and academic, emphasizes Jerusalem’s significance as one of the most important global capitals of education, culture, writing, literature, and science. He highlights that Jerusalem has welcomed scientists, philosophers, thinkers, schools, and universities throughout history and continues to rank among the top in human knowledge, including literature.

Palestinian writers have often reflected on their backgrounds and the city of Jerusalem in their works. Jabra Ibrahim Jabra (1919-1994), for instance, wrote an essay titled “Jerusalem: Time Embodied” (1965) that recounted his childhood experiences in Jerusalem. Jabra’s words capture the essence of Jerusalem as a place that transcends its physical boundaries and becomes a living entity, a time that shapes the lives of its inhabitants. Palestinian American academic, political activist, and literary critic Edward Said (1953-2003), born in Jerusalem, is renowned for his famous saying about the city: “The whole world is a hotel, and Jerusalem is my home.” Novelist Mahmoud Shukair (1941-2020), also born in Jerusalem, shares his experiences and insights in his autobiography, “Jerusalem: My First City, My Last City.” This book offers a glimpse into Shukair’s childhood, youth, and adulthood, as well as the city’s historical events since the 1940s. He recounts his education in Jerusalem’s schools and his time as a teacher there, describing the city’s landmarks, architecture, and current state. Shukair’s memoir is deeply rooted in his profound connection to Jerusalem, as he expresses, “Jerusalem is a part of me, and I am part of Jerusalem.”

Another notable writer who has written extensively about Jerusalem is Aida Al-Najjar (1938-2020). In 2011, she published her book, “Jerusalem (Al-Quds) and the Fair Lady,” which chronicles the city’s history during the British Mandate period in Palestine (1920-1948).

Palestinian Egyptian poet Tamim Al-Barghouti (1977-2017), known as the “Poet of Jerusalem,” is another writer who has left a mark on the city’s literary landscape. His poem, “In Jerusalem,” is a testament to his deep love and connection to the city.

In conclusion, these writers offer diverse perspectives on Jerusalem, capturing its essence and significance in their own unique ways. Their works serve as valuable sources of information and inspiration for anyone interested in understanding this iconic city. This book chronicles Hala Sakakini’s life in Jerusalem, spanning from her childhood in 1924 to the Nakba of 1948. Through a delicate balance between private and public moments, Hala shares her experiences with her family during this period, highlighting the profound impact of her father, Khalil Sakakini, on her life and intellectual development. The narrative unfolds through vivid memories and subtle details of the city’s places, atmospheres, and rituals, including the names of families, theaters, schools, cafes, and the seasonal celebrations of the thirties and forties. It’s as if the book invites readers to accompany Hala on a journey through Jerusalem’s streets, evoking the city’s rich memory.

According to Nehal El-Naggar, Professor at The American University in Cairo, as outlined in her research published by LAP Lambert Academic Publishing (2019), “Alternative Truth: Re-reading History in Hala Sakakini’s Jerusalem & I,” “Jerusalem & I (1990) by Hala Sakakini (1924-2003) is a personal account of her life in Jerusalem. Sakakini’s re-reading of Jerusalem’s history before 1948 through her personal recollections serves as a form of resistance. She embodies a woman as a national subject developing a nationalist consciousness within the broader nationalist movement. This study aims to explore Sakakini’s ‘alternative truth,’ which challenges mainstream history shaped by powerful forces. Palestinian women’s self-narratives unravel interconnected topics, providing an exploratory framework for understanding the subject matter. Sakakini’s narrative offers a lens through which reality is perceived.” Hala Sakakini, a writer and teacher born in the Old City of Jerusalem in 1924, offers a unique perspective on history through her oral history. Unlike traditional political formal history, Sakakini’s work delves into the socio-historical analysis of her land and people, providing an ethnographic and geographic map that subverts mainstream narratives.

Sakakini’s quest is not a personal gendered one, but rather a search for a lost place. Her father, Khalil Sakakini, a prominent Palestinian author and poet who pioneered modern education in the Arab world, played a significant role in shaping her perspective. Born in Jerusalem in 1878 and passing away in Cairo in 1953, Khalil Sakakini’s memoirs, “Katha Ana ya Dunia,” were edited by Hala after his death.

Hala Sakakini herself completed her elementary school education in Jerusalem during the 1930s. During the Nakba of 1948, she and her family fled to Egypt, but later returned to Ramallah, where she worked as a lecturer at Birzeit University. In 1993, she published her personal account, “Jerusalem and I,” while in 1997, she released her diary, “The Years in Ramallah.”

In 1998, Hala, along with her sister Dumya and Palestinian friends, founded the “Khalil Sakakini Cultural Center” in Ramallah, the city where she passed away and was buried.

*Sources: Various Palestinian cultural institutions, press, and book review records.