Al-Faisal!

On the 24th anniversary of the passing of the Emir of Jerusalem, Faisal al-Husseini, which fell yesterday, fans and contemporaries of the reticent man, who knew his strength and were comforted by his wisdom, recall the last line of the famous verse by Abu Firas al-Hamdani, "And in the dark night the full moon is missed."
The city's guardian, the icon of Palestinian nationalism, departed quickly and lightly, just as he lived gracefully and lightly in his shadow, stingy in his smile, stubborn in his positions, and in defending his people and their Islamic and Christian sanctities.
His penetrating eye was the window to his soul, open to the concerns of his people. His face brimming with hope, intelligence, and captivating presence was his soft power, making him a role model for those who walk the path of freedom, who believe in the inevitability of the victory of truth over falsehood, and of the homeland over occupation.
It is impossible to imagine Jerusalem, with its streets, alleys, institutions, mosques, churches, universities, and schools, without Faisal. Men like him remain alive in the hearts of the people, thanks to the legacy of struggle he inherited from his father, the courageous fighter, and passed on to his children and students. He remained present in forums, meetings, and demonstrations, a young man brimming with vitality, hope, and activity, clinging to faith and steadfastness.
The Ministry of Education would do well to add his name to the list of permanent historical landmarks in the Holy City, for Faisal was a great wall and a faithful guardian.
Days before his sudden and shocking passing in Kuwait, we agreed to meet to discuss his life and career...and while the answers remain unanswered, his memory will not be forgotten.