Irbid, Dec 17 (Petra) - Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Yazan Al-Khdeir lit the Christmas tree at Tel Irbid on Wednesday in a ceremony attended by the Governor of Irbid Radwan Al-Atoum, members of parliament, and clergy from the Islamic and Christian faiths.

Al-Khdeir, representing the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, said the tree lighting represents a symbol of hope and peace and reflects the essence of a Jordanian identity built on tolerance and respect for diversity. He noted that the city of Irbid constitutes a living model of the coexistence that characterizes Jordan under its Hashemite leadership.

Congratulating the Christian community in Irbid and across the kingdom, Al-Khdeir expressed his wishes for the occasion to bring goodness and peace to all and for Jordan to remain an oasis of security and stability. He highlighted the tourism and cultural importance of Irbid Governorate, citing its rich historical and religious heritage, and affirmed that the ministry continues to work on developing infrastructure and promoting religious tourism in partnership with the local community.

Father Dionysius Haddad, pastor of St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in Irbid, said the celebration at Tel Irbid carries deep spiritual and historical significance, embodying the model of coexistence between monotheistic religions. He emphasized that Islamic-Christian brotherhood in Jordan is a fundamental pillar of the nation's history and identity.

The ceremony was organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in cooperation with the Greater Irbid Municipality and St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church. Attendees included Archimandrite Raphael, deputy bishop of Jordan for the Greek Orthodox Church; MPs Hala Al-Jarrah and Iyad Jabreen; Chairman of the Greater Irbid Municipal Committee Emad Al-Azzam, Irbid Provincial Council President Munther Bataineh, and Irbid Police Director Mohammad Zawaideh.

Following the ceremony, the Secretary General opened the "Bazaar of Love and Peace," an exhibition featuring local products and traditional crafts created with the active participation of the local community.

//Petra// AF

17/12/2025 22:41:34