The “Daughters of Jerusalem” (Arabic: Banat Al-Quds) are 25 young Palestinian women from families with deep roots in Jerusalem. They all study at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music and live in East Jerusalem. Now they are releasing a CD where they also perform duets with the American Princeton Girlchoir and Norwegian Girls Choir.

In spite of the oppression these young daughters of Jerusalem suffer under, they have a power of expression that exudes joy and courage. Their songs present both a vision and a lament for their ancient city. They sing and play khanoun (table harp), oud, cello, percussion and double bass.

On the new album by “Daughters of Jerusalem” most of the songs are related directly to their city. Two of them are written by the well-known Palestinian artist Rim Banna, others are older, including the monster hit “The Holy City” by Stephen Adams from 1894. The CD’s producer, Erik Hillestad, has given this song new English lyrics dealing with today’s situation in the city. The American Princeton Girlchoir also contributes on this song. This is a powerful act of solidarity from young women in a country Palestinians usually do not experience as a constructive contributor on the path to peace and justice. The Norwegian Girls Choir also joins in on one of Rim Banna’s songs.

The “Daughters of Jerusalem” choir was founded and is conducted by Suhail Khoury, who is the director of Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, and who also wrote all the arrangements for this record.