In Jordan's cities, towns, and villages, we see how this relationship has turned into part of the social memory of generations. In Salt and Madaba, as in other cities, the ties of neighborhood and acquaintance extend among families across the years, while workplaces, universities, and markets in Amman, Irbid, and Karak bring together members of society across their different religions and backgrounds. This shared life affirms that Jordanians are partners in one homeland, brought together by the responsibilities of the present and the hopes of the future.
These ties were not formed in isolation from the history of the Jordanian state. Since the era of the Founding King Abdullah I bin Al-Hussein, passing through the reigns of King Talal bin Abdullah and King Hussein bin Talal, and up to the era of His Majesty King Abdullah II—may God protect him—the unity of Jordanians has remained a foundation in building the Jordanian state and preserving its stability. The Hashemite leadership has entrenched an approach affirming that differences in religion and background do not detract from citizens' rights, and that Jordan's strength lies in the cohesion of its people and their sense of partnership in their homeland.
Preserving our national unity is the responsibility of everyone. It begins with rejecting fanaticism, abuse, and incitement, and refusing to be led by rumors that sow doubt among people. It also requires that we raise our children to respect others, and affirm to them that difference does not justify discrimination, and that citizenship is both a right and a shared responsibility.
In conclusion, the relationship that has brought Muslims and Christians together in Jordan across generations was not built on slogans, but on years of neighborhood, companionship, and shared stances. Preserving it begins with our adherence to these values and our rejection of any discourse attempting to make religious difference a reason for alienation or offense. In Jordan, what unites us in terms of history, companionship, and belonging is greater than what divides us, and our national unity will remain the strongest thing we protect for the sake of our country and future generations.
What unites Jordanians is not merely that they live on the same land, but that they have shared joys and sorrows, and stood by one another in times of hardship. This relationship, which generations have preserved under the approach of the Hashemite leadership, deserves to be protected and passed on to our children, because Jordan remains strongest when every citizen sees in the other a partner in the homeland, not someone different from them.
