Italian Students Visit Bethlehem University 

On 25 August 2004, Bethlehem University hosted 70 university students from Italy. The group is visiting the Holy Land and working as volunteers in local organizations. The aim of the visit to Bethlehem University is to learn about its mission in the Holy Land, the challenges and accomplishments, and to talk to students and to learn about local culture and the political situation. The guests were accompanied by Father Ibrahim Faltas, Parish Priest of the Jerusalem Congregation.

Mr. George Sahhar, Public Relations / Development Officer, greeted the guests, and spoke about the importance of dialogue across cultures in a world that is becoming increasingly small. He also spoke about the role of Bethlehem University in serving Palestinian youth.

The visiting students broke into small discussion groups with Bethlehem University students. Afterwards they were hosted to a campus tour. They visited the Main Building dating back to 1893, originally a training facility for the De La Salle Christian Brothers, and they went to the Palestinian Heritage Center: Turathuna, Bethlehem Hall dating back to 1903, and the University Chapel.

Ms. Vera Baboun, Assistant Dean of Students, organized the visit and accompanied the visiting students on campus.