“Bethlehem University was not just an academic institution; it was the starting point of my passion and the solid foundation upon which I built my career.” With these moving words, Firas Bali, a 2015 graduate of Bethlehem University, expressed the deep connection between graduates and their alma mater in general, and the profound impact the university had on him.
His studies at the Shucri Ibrahim Dabdoub Faculty of Business Administration not only provided him with practical skills but also instilled in him the confidence and determination to pursue his dreams. This strong academic foundation paved the way for his successful career with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Recently, Firas further enhanced his academic expertise by earning a master’s degree in Conflict Management and Humanitarian Action from the University of Siena in Italy in 2025, reaffirming his commitment to serving humanitarian causes.
In a testament to his loyalty to the institution he considers his first home, Firas returned in 2022 to become the director of the Bethlehem Business Incubator and the Yunus Social Business Center at Bethlehem University. He sincerely stated, “This is my chance to give back something to the place that gave me everything.” His heartfelt sentiment, “At Bethlehem University, I always feel like I’m at home,” clearly summarizes the supportive and encouraging environment the university strives to provide for all its students.
Today, Firas is making a clear impact in the humanitarian field, serving as a People and Culture Officer at the ICRC’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. His rise to this prestigious position was not a coincidence but the culmination of hard work that began at Bethlehem University.
Firas Bali’s story is a living testament to the power of education at Bethlehem University to hone skills and empower graduates to shine on the international stage while maintaining a deep connection to their roots and the community that helped shape them.