I am the resurrection and the life.

He who believes in me will live even when he dies

and no one who lives and believes in me will ever die.

(John 11:25-26)

Bethlehem University remembers student Wajd Bassim Za'rour

25 JAnuary 2008

Students, faculty and staff of Bethlehem University were shocked by the news about the death of Wajd Bassim Za'rour, a 19 year old Hotel Management student two weeks ago. Wajd died on the morning of Sunday, 20 January, in a car crash.

The University's Chapel of the Divine child was crowded with students, faculty and staff when a memorial mass for Wajd was celebrated on Friday, 25 January. The mass was celebrated by father Jamal Khader and Father Peter DuBrul, while Wajd's fellow students remembered their colleague in prayers, meditations, poems and music.

“Young people do not think of death, youth is the age of life. The sad reality of saying goodbye is causing us pain. We ask questions. Why him? We find the answer in our faith. There is resurrection and the one who dies is going to be under the care of God”, Father Jamal Khader reflected at the beginning of the mass.

As Wajd was a very active musician himself, many friends of his played instrumental pieces during the mass, among them third year Business Administration student Tamer Sahouri. Additionally, Salah Abu Laban, a fourth year Business Administration student, recited an Arabic poem dedicated to Wajd. You may read a passage below.

“Life is a tear, a rose, a smile and a memory. The tear will be dried, the rose will fade away and the smile will be wept. Only memory stays. So rest in peace, our beloved, because you are immortal in us, immortal through your sweet memory, joyful spirit and your attractive calmness.”