Edward Said Memorial Ceremony

On Friday, November 7, Bethlehem University held a memorial ceremony in tribute to the late Prof. Edward Said, distinguished author and literary critic. The event was organized by the Faculty of Arts, and it was attended by intellectual leaders of the community, academicians and friends of Edward Said from Bethlehem and Jerusalem.

After a welcoming note by Dr. Jeanne Kattan, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, the ceremony started with a moving and powerful multimedia presentation on the life and work of Edward Said. Brother Vincent Malham, President-Vice Chancellor, gave a piano recital of Holy, Holy, Holy by Mark Hayes, and The Great Gate of Kiev , by Moussorsky (Pictures at an Exhibition).

Four faculty members from Bethlehem University spoke of the different aspects of the work of Edward Said. Dr. Waleed Mustafa spoke of Edward Said the politician. Dr. Saleem Zoughbi addressed the life of Edward Said the musician. Dr. Mohammad Farhat dealt with the experience of exile in the life of Edward Said. Mr. Walid Atallah spoke of Edward Said and the field of middle-eastern studies.

To conclude the evening's Tribute to Edward Said, a candle was lit in the middle of a bouquet of flowers, before the Olive Branches Choir entered the Hall. The Choir chanted The Holy City , conducted by Akram Nassar and piano by Ramzi Shomali.

Moderator of the ceremony, Dr. Qustandi Shomali, invited the audience to coffee and a special traditional bun in memory of Edward Said.