Bethlehem University is honored to highlight the recent publication of a book chapter authored by Dr. Fadel Alsawayfa, Chairperson of the Early Childhood Education Department in the Faculty of Education. His chapter, titled “Home and Away: Exploring My Lived Experiences Through Poetry and Narrative,” appears in the volume Being in Shadow and Light: Academics in Conflict and Post-Conflict Higher Education, published by Open Book Publishers in Cambridge, UK.
In this deeply personal and academically rigorous chapter, Dr. Alsawayfa draws on poetry and narrative to explore the complexities of identity, resilience, and academic life under occupation. His reflections illuminate the intersection between personal experience and professional commitment, offering a profound perspective on what it means to educate under conditions of conflict and restriction.
“Writing through poetry enabled me to articulate pain and belonging in ways traditional academic forms could not,” Dr. Alsawayfa states in the chapter, where he reflects on themes of exile, memory, and hope.
The publication reinforces Bethlehem University’s mission to be a beacon of hope and excellence for Palestinians, particularly in challenging socio-political contexts. Dr. Alsawayfa’s work exemplifies the university’s commitment to scholarly leadership rooted in justice, human dignity, and academic freedom.
Access the full chapter online: