Bethlehem University Hosts Group from Archdiocese of Baltimore

4 October 2007

As a close friend and supporter of Bethlehem University for more than 20 years, Bishop Denis Madden led a group from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, USA, to visit Bethlehem University on Thursday, 1 October. Bishop Madden was Director of the Pontifical Mission Office in Jerusalem during the 80’s and in August 2005 he was appointed Bishop of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

The visitors were greeted by a number of Bethlehem University staff members and students who led them in a tour of the University campus. Their visit also included a discussion with the University students and lunch at the Hotel Management and Tourism Institute.

The students, who included, Ahmed Issa and Mai Neiroukh - both are fourth-year English Literature students, Amir Bannoura, a fourth-year student in Computer and Information Systems, and Stephanie Nasser, a third-year student in Computer and Information Systems, talked about their life as students of Bethlehem University and as Palestinians living under occupation. Ahmed spoke about the restrictions of movement that Bethlehem University students have to go through on a daily basis in order to be able to reach the University without missing classes. “We have to go through checkpoints where our IDs are checked and this procedure might take hours to complete”, Ahmed reflected. “Despite this humiliation, it will never stop us from struggling to get a good education and come to the University”, Stephanie affirmed.

“Visiting Bethlehem University is always an inspiring experience. It is impressing to meet young men and women who despite the difficult circumstances do not give up hope. I wish them the best for their future”, Bishop Madden commented.