As part of the Cairo International Book Fair, the book “Jerusalem Rituals” by Jerusalemite writer Samir Al-Jundi stood out as a literary and visual document that documents the details of daily life in Jerusalem under occupation. The book presents a living testimony to the suffering of Jerusalemites and their steadfastness in the face of attempts at Judaization and cultural obliteration, in a narrative style that combines simplicity and deep symbolism, supported by 123 photographs that document this experience.

The writer Samir Al-Jundi confirmed that his book is not just an illustrated literary work, but rather it is... “A cry in the face of attempts to obliterate the identity of Jerusalem,” noting that literary and visual documentation is an effective means of confronting attempts to conceal the Palestinian narrative.

The book is distinguished by its style, which captures the fine details of Jerusalemite life, and transforms them into scenes full of meaning, as Al-Jundi uses symbolic language and deep literary description to convey the Jerusalemites’ sense of oppression and constant surveillance, while at the same time insisting on clinging to their land and identity.

In addition to the symbolic scenes, Al-Jundi presents Jerusalemite characters who reflect the steadfastness of the Palestinians, including “Abu Kamal,” the eighty-year-old man who continues to work as a porter in the Jerusalem market despite his advanced age, in a picture that reflects the insistence of Jerusalemites to survive, in addition to the character of “Hajj Faraj,” the owner of the café whose daily conversations reflect the reality of the Jerusalemite markets and the challenges of life under the occupation.

In an attempt to preserve the city’s landmarks from the forced change imposed by the occupation, the book includes 123 photographs that shed light on the daily scene in Jerusalem. Al-Jundi stresses that the photos are not just snapshots, but rather a window through which the reader sees life in Jerusalem as if he were wandering through its alleys, hearing the voices of the vendors, and seeing the features of the people and their steadfastness in the face of challenges.

The book conveys a clear picture of the daily suffering experienced by Jerusalemites, whether through security restrictions, economic constraints, or attempts to Judaize the city. However, at the same time, it captures scenes of joy and steadfastness, as it documents the occasions that Jerusalemites celebrate despite the occupation, and the children who grow up memorizing the names of the old neighborhoods as part of their deep-rooted identity.

The writer stressed that Jerusalem will remain Arab and Palestinian despite all the occupation's attempts, pointing out that every story told and every picture taken is part of the battle of memory that will not end except with the victory of truth.