Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas signed a presidential decree appointing Ambassador Dr. Amal Jadou (BU’95) as Undersecretary of the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, 15 September 2019. By this decree, Dr. Jadou became the first Palestinian woman to fill this post.

Dr. Jadou was born in the Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Bethlehem University, where she studied English language and Literature. During her Bachelor’s studies, she was a very active student at the University. She continued her studies at Birzeit University then at Harvard University. 

“My years at Bethlehem University were the formative years of my life and experience. They grounded me in my culture, helped develop my national identity, and empowered me as a woman,” said Dr. Jadou.

“My activism was developed through activities done at the University when together with my colleagues I used to receive delegations to explain to them the Palestinian question and life under occupation. I cherish the friendships I built at the university… I remember fondly the brothers and sisters who taught me especially Sister Mary, Brother Cyril, and many others… I loved the dedication of my professors and enjoyed every one of them,” Dr. Jadou added.

(Dr. Amal Jadou was featured in the Bethlehem University Magazine, Fall 2018, Volume 26, Issue no 1, page 16).