Saint Mary's College Students Engage with Bethlehem University Students

25 January 2008

For the second time Br. Donald Mansir, FSC, brought a group of students from Saint Mary's College of California , US to visit Bethlehem University . The aim of their visit was to get a real perspective about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the life of Palestinian students and youth.

Saint Mary's Philosophy majors Joe Casanova, Alexxa Kilby, Greg Ryder, and third-year English Literature student Grace Bone were hosted by Bethlehem University staff and students on Monday, 21 January, for two days. Their visit included a campus tour and short introduction about the University. They attended classes with the students, toured the old city of Bethlehem, the Nativity Church and Deheishe Refugee Camp, also located in Bethlehem. The guests were invited to sleep at the homes of several Bethlehem University students where they had the opportunity to learn more about Palestinian culture and life in Bethlehem .

When reflecting upon their visit to Bethlehem University , St. Mary's College students were highly impressed by the Palestinian students' enthusiasm for education, which they witnessed while attending classes. “There was high level of participation, interaction and respect between the professors and the students”, Greg said.

“We expected to meet angry Palestinians throwing rocks, but instead we met joyful young men and women who are very keen to get a formal education and make a change in their society”, Joe added.

Bethlehem University graduates Areej Ja'fery (‘07) and Muhammed Qaisi (‘07) gave the St. Mary's students a tour of Deheishe Refugee Camp and its popular Ibda' Cultural Center. “It was impressive to see how much effort they have put into learning about their own culture and then to present it to others”, Grace said, expressing her admiration of the young children after watching them learn Dabka Folklore Dancing.

Areej and Muhammad also took the opportunity during the tour to talk a little about their own experiences, something which the St. Mary's students seemed to appreciate very much. “It was refreshing to witness the enthusiasm of Bethlehem University graduates while talking about their lives”, Joe commented.

St. Mary's College students expressed their gratitude for the hospitality the Bethlehem University students' families showed them. Chris, who was hosted by Muhammed Ja'afery's family in Deheishe Refugee Camp, said “Although they had a small house, I was shocked how hospitable and kind the Ja'fery family was to me”.

Alexxa and Grace said, “Rawan and Dana were wonderful. They made us feel at home”. Alexxa and Grace stayed with Dana Bannoura, a second-year English Literature student, and her sister Rawan, a third-year Accounting student, both at Bethlehem University .

Br. Donald likes to bring his students to the University because he recognizes the value of education and awareness through personal contact. “I think it is very important that our students see the life of the Palestinian youth here. I am sure that my students experienced something special with your students”, Br. Donald concluded.

St. Mary's College students expressed their willingness to come back to the country and said that they would tell their friends about their experiences at Bethlehem University and in the Bethlehem area.

Many Thanks to our students and graduates who helped host St. Mary's College students: