Welcome: PEACE Conference
Bethlehem University
February 26, 2005

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests and Colleagues, Friends All,

In the name of the entire Bethlehem University family I welcome you warmly to our campus today. We are truly honored to host this important Conference at our University. I thank all who helped prepare for the event, and I thank each of you for your presence and participation at this prestigious gathering, especially those who have come from long distances.

We at Bethlehem University fully endorse the objectives and initiatives of the Peace Program. More than ever before in the development of our country, I believe that inter-university cooperation is not only desirable but indispensable to help raise the quality of Palestinian higher education, particularly in areas of research and graduate studies, institutional and staff development and to meet growing demands of cutting-edge library technology, teaching/learning facilities, laboratories and workshops. Inter-university cooperation also promotes international linkages and opportunities, as well as overcoming difficulties and isolation that have accumulated during years of turmoil. The PEACE program pursues these goals in a spirit of genuine academic solidarity, with the aspiration to make a contribution of its own to the peace process in the Middle East. We are not only grateful for the noble efforts of the PEACE program, we enthusiastically applaud its achievements.

Just yesterday I read a report of inter-university cooperation among large state universities in several regions of the United States. These universities are highly subsidized by their respective state governments and generally do not need additional financial assistance. They are engaging in cooperative endeavors with sister institutions for desired values of quality enhancement in specific academic areas, enriched research and faculty development opportunities, and in a spirit of interdependence and sharing of human development resources. It seems to me that this is exactly what the PEACE program is trying to do but with the added desire of contributing to the peace process in the Middle East, a noble cause indeed.

For those of you who may not be familiar with Bethlehem University, may I take just a minute to share a few words about the unique and challenging history of this institution. I beg the indulgence of those who are already familiar with us.

During the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to the Holy Land in March 2000 the Holy Father spoke of “the extremely valuable work of Bethlehem University.” Our story is truly one of unusual perseverance: the development of an institution from modest beginnings in 1973 of some 100 students to a vibrant University today serving 2100 traditional students in five faculties, an Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism and several special programs. We also serve several hundred non-traditional students—housewives, businessmen, ex-detainees, children—who follow a variety of courses and programs in our Institute for Community Partnership. Christian and Muslim students from diversified backgrounds come together to study here: from the cities, from villages and refugee camps, males and females; the very poor, most not able to pay an annual tuition of $1,000. Over 8,000 graduates have received diplomas in our 31-year history. We have been closed 12 times in our brief history, the longest closure occurring from 1987-1990 during the first Intifada. Especially difficult were the first three years of the present Intifada which began in Fall 2000, in particular the repeated military occupation of Bethlehem, the attacks when every building on campus was damaged and the long periods of curfew. Fortunately, this present academic year has been more normal thus far, and as a result, we were able to complete the first semester before Christmas for the first time in many years. In spite of the ongoing political, economic, and physical hardship and struggle, our University remains steadfast in its resolve to serve the young people of this land. We are inspired and strengthened by the courage and commitment of faculty, staff and students, and by the generous support of individuals and groups the world over, without whose assistance higher education would not be possible for most young students of this area. The tragic situation makes our work more valuable—for our students and for our 500 employees who have regular employment in an area where unemployment stands at c. 40-50%.

When interviewed last October by an American journalist, a 2004 graduate emphasized that only educated people who can dialogue with the world can change the world. She added that despite tremendous difficulties in getting to the University each day, she and fellow students were persistent because, “we know that education is the only way to a future of peace.”

It seems to me that this is why all of us are here today: to work together to find ways and means to make education -- relevant and challenging education -- available to the young people of Palestine who deserve a chance for a better tomorrow and a future of peace.

As Bethlehem University celebrates our 31-year history and its many hardships and blessings, we also recommit ourselves to our vital ministry of education and to our responsibilities as an institution of higher learning in Palestine as a contributing partner in the PEACE program.

Your presence here today, your willingness to come to Bethlehem means very much to us, more than you probably realize. It is an expression of solidarity and support, an encouragement for which we are profoundly grateful.

May this gathering be a productive and enlightening experience for all in attendance and may it be source and sign of greater cooperation among all of us in our efforts to promote peace in the region through closer cooperation among universities. Again, I extend to each of you a warm welcome. “Ahlan wa Sahlan Bikum.” Be at home at Bethlehem University.