“Today, I had the honor of presenting the new publication, ‘Jisr az-Zarqa – Testimonies in Confrontation with Narratives’, to the two esteemed brothers, sons of the mukhtar Dhib Al-Ali Shkheidem Jarban: my uncle, the sheikh of the fishermen, Hajj Khalil Abu Mohammad, and my father, Hajj Ali Abu Bahaa, in recognition and appreciation of their sincere contribution to preserving the collective narrative, heritage, and living memory of Jisr az-Zarqa.”

“Their testimonies formed a precious part of this documentary work, which seeks to preserve the truth from fading away and to protect the identity of the place from the dust of forgetfulness.

Their words were not merely memories, but bridges between the past and the present — between the sea that raised the ancestors and the generation that still hears, within its waves, the story of resilience and dignity on a steadfast and proud Arab shore that carries the banner of heritage.

All thanks and gratitude to these two men, who continue to weave, through the threads of memory, a history of nobility, loyalty, and belonging.

I wish them continued health and well-being, and many more years of giving, so they may remain as we have always known them — witnesses of the sea and guardians of the memory of both place and people.”