On Monday, 18 April, Bethlehem University hosted 23 guests from Old Lyme, Connecticut, USA. The group, as part of a trip called the Tree of Life Journey, consists of Christians, Moslems, and Jews, aiming to learn first-hand about the harsh political reality in the Holy Land and how Palestinians are coping.
Brother Vincent Malham, President-Vice Chancellor, welcomed the guests and spoke about the important mission of Bethlehem University in the Holy Land in keeping the hope alive for a bright future for young Palestinians. Also the guests were introduced to Brother Daniel Casey, Vice Chancellor-designate.
Prof. Bernard Sabella spoke about the daily suffering of Palestinians under Occupation, the inhumane treatment they are subjected to, and the importance of forging a better future with justice and forgiveness.
Ira Blue Coat, one of participants with the the Tree of Life Journey, offered a Native-American prayer for peace and understanding among all peoples under the unity of the same God as he and Reverend David Good presented the University with a gift of a Native- American dancing stick, a symbol of peace and understanding.
Bethlehem University students: Rawan Khatir, Ruba Tahboub, Shahinda Abu Farha, and Rana Al-Hosein, spoke about their hopes and aspirations for better future.
Ms. Vera Baboun, Assistant Dean of Students, took the guests on a campus tour where they saw the view of the Bethlehem area from the Amphitheater, and visited the Chapel and the Palestinian Heritage Center.
The guests had lunch in the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism with Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Development; Vera Baboun, Assistant Dean of Students; and Brother Peter Iorlano, Coordinator of Institutional Values.
Guest List:
1. Imran Ahmed
2. Tashrik Ahmed
3. David Good, Group Leader
4. Corinne Good
5. Cathy Zall
6. David Zall
7. Connie Hurtt
8. James Matthew Hurtt
9. Tu Nguyen
10. Eliza Nguyen
11. Alice Pembrook
12. Allison Hine
13. Bren Dubay
14. Alice Depret
15. Peter Viering
16. Liz Viering
17. Sam Goldberger
18. Ira Blue Coat
19. Bruce Shipman
20. Marie Negrelli
21. Bethe Dufresne
22. Sean Elliot
23. David Barr
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