11-12-2024
A scientific seminar entitled "The Implications of the Gaza War on Jordanian Society"

On behalf of the university president, Dr. Osama Nusair, the Vice President for International and Community Affairs, Professor Dr. Hani Akho Rashida, sponsored the scientific conference of the College of Wisdom for Political Science and International Studies, titled "The Implications of the Gaza War on Jordanian Society," attended by several speakers from the university's colleges at the Bakhit Auditorium.

The Dean of the college, Professor Dr. Ahed Abu Dhweib, explained that Jordan, representing a historical and geographical depth and a pivotal role in the region, was not spared from the effects of the war, which reflected on many areas and presented new challenges at all levels. 

Al-Gharaibeh indicated that Jordanians noticed the boycott early on, prompting Jordanian investors to produce local goods with better quality, which positively impacted the revitalization of job opportunities, surpassing obstacles in global and regional trade due to rising import and export costs, consequently increasing the costs of customs clearance and shipping on goods. The construction sector was also affected along with the repercussions and implications of the war, notably with rising interest rates. He pointed out that investment confidence and the national economy were affected by rising fuel prices and the relative loss of foreign investment in Jordan, noting that unemployment rates have not dropped below 21% and growth rates did not exceed 2%, in addition to an increase in public debt servicing.

In the realm of psychological and educational implications, Professor Dr. Mohammad Bani Khalid from the College of Educational Sciences spoke about how the support of His Majesty King Abdullah helped mitigate the psychological and educational effects. He indicated that the shared ties between the Jordanian and Palestinian peoples made them the most affected by the war on Gaza, referring to the efforts of the Hashemites over decades to defend Gaza and Palestine. He also mentioned the humanitarian aid being sent to Gaza and Palestine, citing figures from the World Health Organization regarding the high rates of patients resulting from the war.

Bani Khalid defined the shock of war as the negative response and incapacity caused by the Gaza War, which brought about oppression, fear, tension, anxiety, confusion, difficulty in focusing, developing into feelings of anger and guilt, indicating that those most susceptible to psychological trauma are at risk of chronic conditions that can lead to depression, paving the way for suicide after experiencing the aforementioned aspects.

He outlined several causes of physical violence, accidents, proximity to crim scenes, and family issues such as divorce, severe illnesses, loss of parents, academic failure, and deteriorating social relations. He described the different types of trauma and pointed out that the most dangerous are indirect traumas, along with symptoms of psychological trauma and their impacts on thoughts, behavior, and physical health.

In the political implications segment, Professor Dr. Abdullah Al-Irqan from the College of Wisdom for Political Science and International Studies discussed the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem and Jordan's engagement in peace agreements. He also spoke about the far-right tendencies of Israelis that have undermined the peace process, with many abandoning Jordan, leaving it isolated on the international stage, allowing Israel to manipulate settlement activities.

The Vice President of the university stated during his remarks that we are all Jordanians for Jordan and we are all Palestinians for Palestine, emphasizing the need to follow logic away from emotion, indicating that we are with the army, the leadership, and the choices of the Jordanian state in the surrounding circumstances.

The Public Relations and Media Department presented a video about the university's participation in air drops of aid and another video produced in all world languages addressing the war on Gaza, showcasing the university's efforts to bolster national efforts and support His Majesty King Abdullah II's positions regarding the war on Gaza. 

At the conclusion of the conference, which was presented and managed by the Assistant Dean of the college, Professor Dr. Ameen Al-Azzam, highlighting the university administration's commitment to supporting scientific activities and conferences, a detailed dialogue and discussion took place where participants expressed their answers to the attending university students.