Literary Conference Held in Bethlehem University

On 28 and 29 August 2004, Bethlehem University hosted a conference on the renowned Bethlehem intellectual and literary figure Jabra Ibrahim Jabra (1920 - 1994). Jabra was a novelist, poet, short story writer, painter, literary and art critic, and translator.

Eighteen literary experts gave presentations on Jabra's work. H.E. Mr. Yahiya Yakhlef, Minister of Culture, gave the keynote speech. Brother Vincent Malham, President-Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University; and Mr. Hanna Naser, Bethlehem Mayor and Chairman of the University's Board of Trustees; welcomed the participants. Dr. Aziz Khalil, Conference Coordinator, spoke about the work done by the Organizing Committee: Brother Cyril Litecky, Dr. Jeanne Kattan, and Ms. Tania Tamari-Naser. Approximately 102 persons attended the opening session. The papers presented will be published as conference proceedings.

Mr. Hanna Naser declared a street named after Jabra near the home where he had lived in Bethlehem. Mr. Majdi Shomali conducted a tour for the participants to places mentioned by Jabra in his biographical novel the First Well.

The conference was funded by the Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development, the Netherlands, the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, and the Shoman Foundation, Jordan.