Jordanians stage candlelight vigil, march silently in protest of Trump decision

AMMAN — Hundreds of Jordanians took part in a candlelight vigil in Amman on Wednesday in protest of US President Donald Trump’s decision to move the American embassy to Jerusalem and to recognise it as the capital of Israel. 

Holding candles, participants marched in silence in west Amman’s Sweifieh neighbourhood towards St Mary of Nazareth Church. 

Churches bells rang as they gathered outside the church. 

Father Rifat Bader, the director of the Catholic Centre for Studies, said “Jerusalem is calling on people to stand with it,” adding that Christians and Muslims stand in unity to face any act that endangers the holy city.  

“The US decision is unjust and negatively affected Jerusalem and its history, but we as Christians and Muslims will bring back its beauty through this peaceful demonstration,” he told The Jordan Times outside the church. 

Reem Arida, one of the participants, said she took part in the vigil to affirm that Jerusalem is an Arab City. 

“This is a fact I know since I was a child.  Jerusalem is for all Arabs and these candles are symbols of peace and love,” she told The Jordan Times. 

Nimaat Hajjara, another participant, said she joined the march to emphasise unity. 

“All people from different backgrounds should come out and stand hand-in-hand,” she said while walking. 

Nisreen Mdanat did not fully support the idea of a “silent parade”. 

“We have to chant and let people listen to our voices. Maybe a silent parade won’t effectively send our message,” she added.