On Wednesday, 26 November 2025, Bethlehem University welcomed a delegation from the Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine, led by Dr. Ramzi Khoury, Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization. The delegation also included Dr. Samir Hazboun, Mr. Jihad Khair, Director of the Bethlehem Office, and Mr. Raed Hanania, Director of Public Relations and Media. The purpose of the visit was to congratulate Dr. Fadi Kattan on his appointment as the new Executive Vice President of Bethlehem University.
The visiting delegation was received by Dr. Kattan, together with Br. Jack Curran, Vice President for Advancement, Prof. Iman Saca, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Br. Peter Iorlano, Vice President for Human Resources, and Mr. Yazan Zubaidy, Director of the Marketing and Communications Office.
The visit carried messages of support and hope, reaffirming the University’s resilience and unwavering commitment to its educational and national mission despite the difficult circumstances faced by the Palestinian community.
Dr. Khoury congratulated the University’s leadership on its pioneering role, emphasizing that the current period requires continuous development and adaptation to meet the needs of society and strengthen the resilience of students during these challenging times.
Dr. Kattan highlighted that the visit coincided with the signing of a new academic agreement between Bethlehem University and the University of Pavia in Italy. This partnership opens wider horizons for students through joint programs, as well as advanced research and training opportunities that enhance the University’s global engagement and academic presence.
He further noted that two years ago Bethlehem University celebrated fifty years of “knowledge and hope,” a milestone that represents more than a number, it reflects the deep-rooted history of an academic institution that has preserved its identity and mission, graduating generations of Palestinian professionals who serve their communities locally and internationally.
Dr. Kattan also underscored the University’s broad network of partnerships with local and international institutions working in education, development, and community service, emphasizing the importance of expanding programs that will support students from Gaza in the future.
At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation expressed sincere appreciation to the Bethlehem University community for the spirit of dedication and unity they experienced on campus. They encouraged the University to continue embodying the values that make it a beacon of learning and hope in Palestine.
For its part, the Bethlehem University administration expressed gratitude for the supportive visit, reaffirming its commitment to further advancing its academic programs, expanding its community services, and strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Higher Education and all partner institutions, reinforcing the University’s mission as a national institution rooted in knowledge, service, and humanity.
