Pro-Jerusalem Society

The Pro-Jerusalem Society was a society for the "preservation and advancement of the interests of Jerusalem", including its amenities, antiquities, cultural institutions and education.[1] It was founded in 1918 in Jerusalem by Sir Ronald Storrs, the British military governor of the city, and Charles Robert Ashbee, an architect and leader of the Arts and Crafts Movement.[2] It was dissolved in 1926,[3] the year Storrs was replaced as Governor of Jerusalem and Judea.

History

In 1918, during the period of martial law in Jerusalem, Storrs conceived the idea of establishing a "committee of the three races" with the purpose of "developing a common spirit among the communities of Jerusalem."[3] The goal of the society was "the protection of and the addition to the amenities of Jerusalem and its neighbourhood", including general public works, the preservation of antiquities, the establishment of museums, and the encouragement of handicrafts.

Trustees of the society included the Arab Mayor of Jerusalem, the Grand Mufti, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem, the Latin (Catholic) Patriarch, the Armenian Patriarch, the Anglican Bishop, the Chief Rabbi, and the President of the Jewish lay community.[4]

While Governor of Jerusalem, Storrs devoted much of his time and effort to Pro-Jerusalem, for which he raised considerable funds during his leave in Egypt, the United Kingdom, and the United States.[5][pages needed]

Board of Members

The Society was led by the Pro-Jerusalem Council, consisting, as of c. 1920-1922,[clarification needed] of the following notables:[6]

Board of Members of the Pro-Jerusalem Society (the list published in the Society's Bulletins)[6]

Council

References

  1. ^ R. Storrs (1921). "Preface". In C. R. Ashbee (ed.). Jerusalem 1918–1920, Being the Records of the Pro-Jerusalem Council during the period of the British Military Administration. Council of the Pro-Jerusalem Society.
  2. ^ Goldhill, Simon. Jerusalem: City of Longing. p.136
  3. ^ a b Mazza, Roberto (2018). Angelos Dalachanis; Vincent Lemire (eds.). "The Preservation and Safeguarding of the Amenities of the Holy City without Favour or Prejudice to Race or Creed": The Pro-Jerusalem Society and Ronald Storrs, 1917–1926. Open Jerusalem, Volume: 1. BRILL. p. 403-422 [409]. ISBN 978-90-04-37574-1. Retrieved 12 November 2020. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  4. ^ H. C. Luke; E. Keith-Roach, eds. (1922). The Handbook of Palestine. Macmillan & Co. pp. 131–132.
  5. ^ Storrs, Ronald (1937). Orientations. London: Ivor Nicholson & Watson Ltd. Retrieved 12 November 2020.
  6. ^ a b c Rapaport, Raquel (2007). "The City of the Great Singer: C. R. Ashbee's Jerusalem". Architectural History. 50. Cambridge University Press: 171-210 [see footnote 37 available online]. doi:10.1017/S0066622X00002926. S2CID 195011405. Retrieved 11 November 2020.