Pilgrim Groups Visit Bethlehem University

On Wednesday, 6 October, Bethlehem University hosted 20 pilgrims from the U.K. visiting the Holy Land with Experience Travel.

The guests met Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Development. He spoke to them about the mission of Bethlehem University in the Holy Land, and the challenges and accomplishments associated with serving Palestinian youth under political uncertainty and violence. Also, the guests were welcomed by Dr. Irene Hazou, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Brother Peter Iorlano, Coordinator of Institutional Values.

The guests saw a Multimedia Presentation about B.U., and met students who spoke about their hopes for a better future and the impact Bethlehem University has on their lives.

On Tuesday, 12 October, Bethlehem University hosted 34 Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, Northern USA Lieutenancy, and 11 Knights and Ladies of the Equestrian Order of Switzerland. They were greeted by Brother Vincent Malham, President -Vice Chancellor, and Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Development. The guests went to Furno Hall and saw a Multi Media presentation about the mission of Bethlehem University in the Holy Land. They also spoke to Father Jamal Khader, Chairman of the Religious Studies Department, Mr. Karim Abdul-Nour, Instructor in the Faculty of Business, and Mr. Sami El-Yousef, Vice President for Finances and Planning. The guests met Bethlehem University students: Saher Al-Sous, Elia Costandinidis, and Rawan Khatir, who spoke about their concerns, aspirations, and every day life in Bethlehem.

The Knights and Ladies from Switzerland had lunch in the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism with Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Development, and Brother Cyril Litecky, Assistant to the Vice Chancellor, and Rawan Khatir, student.

Brother Vincent accompanied the USA guests to the University’s amphitheatre and showed them the view of Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour, and Jerusalem.

Also on 12 October, Bethlehem University hosted 18 friends of Sabeel from the U.K. The guests had lunch in the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism with Brother Fergus McArdle, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Mr. Sami Adawan, Instructor in the Faculty of Education, Mr. George Sahhar, Public Relations/ Development Officer, and two students: Saher Al-Sous and Elia Costandinidis.

The U.K. guests met in Furno Hall with Ms. Vera Baboun, Assistant Dean of Students, and students: Samar Al-Tareh, Rawan Khatir, Elia Costandinidis, and Saher Al-Sous, and Dr. Sami Adawan who moderated the discussion. The guests visited the Bethlehem University Chapel, where Brother Joe Loewenstein, Consultant, briefed them about history and significance of the Chapel.