Bethlehem University News - Spring 2015

Volume 22 - Issue No.2, 2014-2015

In this issue:

Developing Tourism Teaching Teachers Testing Drinking Water 1

A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR

Impacting Palestinian society through education

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At Bethlehem University we strive to embody the vision and innovative spirit of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. Personal relationships and academic excellence were central to his vision for education.

As a university, we naturally uphold academic excellence as a fundamental quality. As a Lasallian institution, we emphasise personal relationships as equally fundamental to our mission. What does this mean for the daily life and policymaking at Bethlehem University?

Having personal relationships at the foundation of the Lasallian vision for Bethlehem University means we treat people as precious human beings. It means we recognize and respond to the needs of the community around us, in particular to our students, through active presence, timely resources, and sustainable programs.

We care deeply about how our programming –both academic and social– can positively impact the society around us. That means we work with organizations, as well as businesses and government, to understand what the needs in Palestine are and to seek to meet them.

In this issue of Bethlehem University News, we take you to our nursing program in Al Qubeibeh – Emmaus, which has had an important impact on that community. It not only offers an opportunity for Qubeibeh’s youth to continue their studies close to home, the program also reaches out to the community with health programs and parenting workshops.

On the Bethlehem campus, the Faculty of Education prepares students to become teachers, with many graduates going on to teach in Palestinian schools. The innovative and creative approach to teaching used by the Faculty of Education means we are able to provide teachers who want to improve the lives of their students and the teaching practices of their schools.

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As we continue this academic year, we are thankful for the opportunities to serve the communities around us and positively impact our students’ lives.

Our developing plans to provide better facilities will also help us do this.

You –our friends and supporters– are indispensable to our mission to serve the people of Palestine through education.

Shukran, thank you!

Brother Peter Bray, FSC, EdD Vice Chancellor

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Published by the Advancement Office Editorial Committee Ms. Annerieke Willemze Mr. George N. Rishmawi Mr. Larry Rzepka Mr. Isaac Sahhar Br. Stephen Tuohy, FSC.

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Contributors Mr. Demitri Awwad Br. Dominic Smith, FSC Mr. Eric Crossley Mr. Jehad Najajreh Ms. Rania Hazboun ‘96 Ms. Shahinda Nassar ‘05 Design and Printing HMC Printing & Labeling info@hmc.ps Electronic address www.bethlehem.edu info@bethlehem.edu Mailing address Bethlehem University Communications Office PO Box 11407 92248 Jerusalem

Table of Contents

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Location address Frères Street #9 Bethlehem, Palestine

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News.............................................. 4

Study Arabic............................ 15

Developing Education

Testing Rural Water Springs

Making a Difference

Advancing

Bethlehem, Ancient Center

Thank You................................ 20

In Palestine.................................. 8

in Al Qubeibeh ....................... 10

of Spiritual Travel................... 12 Graduate Profile:

Honey Taljieh........................... 14

for Safe Drinking Water........ 16

the University.......................... 19

Bethlehem University Foundation Until May 31st, 2015 Hecker Center 3025 Fourth St, NE, Suite 330 Washington, DC 20017-1102 Tel: 1-202-526-6097 Fax: 1-202-526-6096 dsmith@bethlehem.edu From June 1st, 2015 Bethlehem University Foundation LaSalle Hall 6001 Ammendale Road, Suite 200 Beltsville, MD 20705-1202 dsmith@bethlehem.edu Cover Photo by: Munjid Kharoufeh (View over Bethlehem from Bethlehem Hall which houses the Faculty of Nursing.)

Well Spent.............................. 25 Visitors.................................. 26

Student Profile:

Yacoub Kamleh....................... 15

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NEWS

Quartet Envoy Tony Blair visits Bethlehem University On December 3rd, the Quartet on the Middle East Representative Tony Blair visited Bethlehem University and met with several senior University officials. The purpose of the visit was to present the University’s latest development plans, especially with regards to the Mount David properties where the Institute of Hotel and Tourism Management will be based.

training of qualified staff to work in the tourism sector, one of the most important sectors in the Palestinian economy.

The Quartet Representative’s visit to the University was his first stop on his tour of Bethlehem, where he met with the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Rula Maiah, and the Mayor of Bethlehem, Vera Baboun.

Tony Blair was welcomed by Vice Chancellor Br. Peter Bray and Executive Vice President Dr. Michel Sansur, as well as Br. Stephen Tuohy, Vice President for Advancement, and Mr. Youil Anastas, the Vice President for Finance. Brother Peter Bray gave an overview of the University’s curriculum and the development plan and talked about the impact of the University on Palestinian society. He also pointed out how the Office of the Quartet Representative has helped the University to coordinate with the Palestinian private sector and donor institutions and ministries.

Tony Blair praised Bethlehem University’s employment focused approach to education and said he appreciated the University’s inclusion and utilization of the private sector’s knowledge and opportunities. This is particularly true for the

Interdisciplinary Colloquia

Pilot Project with iPads in Classroom

The Dean of Research Office organizes weekly colloquia in which faculty members present their research and the public can participate in conversation with the researcher. The subjects of the colloquia have ranged from interreligious and literary studies to environmental and climate change issues. The colloquia usually take place on Wednesdays at 3:15 pm.

In cooperation with Diakonia University of Applied Science in Finland, the Center of Excellence in Teaching and Learning is leading a pilot study that aims to explore the impact of using iPads on students’ learning process.

Fr. Peter de Brul (l), who presented the first colloquiem, and Dr. Jamil Khader (r), Dean of Research.

SCAN FOR MORE INFORMATION

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Five teachers and 78 students from the English Department and the Occupational Therapy Program are involved in this project in which they received training on iPad applications and use. Since April 2014, the teachers in the study have worked closely with Dr. Rabab Tamish and Mr. Philip Daoud on restructuring their courses in order to integrate the use of iPads in classroom activities. In addition, all teachers are considering their involvement in the project as an opportunity for conducting Action Research projects, in which they collect evidence on the effectiveness and challenges of using iPads in teaching at Bethlehem University.

The project team hopes that the results of this pilot project will contribute to Bethlehem University’s efforts to enhance the integration of technology in teaching. The project team ultimately aims to realize a situation in which the iPad becomes a supporting teaching tool for all courses at Bethlehem University.

The University also established a Visual Production Unit in 2014, focusing on helping faculties to communicate their ideas to their students through visual resources that are creative, authentic, and local.

World Cancer Day Hereditary Research Laboratory Researching Breast Cancer The 4th of February marks World Cancer Day, organized once a year to draw attention to patients with cancer as well as raise funds for the scientific research of cancer. One of the key messages of the organizers of World Cancer Day is the importance of early detection. Bethlehem University’s Hereditary Research Laboratory researches the genomics of breast cancer, and its findings might enable early detection in patients.

Dr. Mo’ien Kanaan has been leading the Hereditary Research Laboratory since its inception in 1992, and has been working with internationally leading scientists on the mutation profiling of breast cancer in the high risk Palestinian population. Palestinians are genetically isolated and have a high rate of genetically-based diseases, which makes it an attractive research population as any mutations will be relatively easy to find and understand. The Hereditary Research Laboratory has carried out genomic analysis of different breast cancer genes in analysis groups made up of hundreds of patients.

This research is very important for the understanding of breast cancer as well as early detection. A genome guided understanding of

breast cancer will enable medical professionals to individualize treatment for each woman by using their genetic information to predict the most effective therapies.

A day before World Cancer Day, a symposium on breast cancer took place at Bethlehem University discussing the work of the Hereditary Research Laboratory and involving students of the Life Sciences in the research around breast cancer. Renowned American human geneticist Mary Claire King, professor at the University of Washington, gave a talk on breast cancer genomics and the Palestinian experience.

The main objective of the visit was to learn about the procedures of quality assurance used by these universities to enhance teaching,

A photo contest organized by the Masar Ibrahim AlKhalil (Abraham Path) was won by Bethlehem University freshman Khaila Juma’. The Abraham Path is a longdistance walking trail across the Middle East, retracing the journey of Abraham.

Part of the organization’s vision is to develop the path as a creative space for stories highlighting the unique culture, heritage and hospitality of the region.

Students from An-Najah University in Nablus and Bethlehem University received training from a professional photographer and went on a hike with Abraham’s Path to capture the region’s stories in a photograph.

Professor Mary Claire King

Academic Council visits British universities The Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Bethlehem University has organized two visits to the UK for members of the Academic Council. The visits took place in June and October. During these trips members of the Academic Council visited Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool John Moores University, University of Chester and the University of Cambridge.

Freshman Khaila Juma’ Wins Photo Contest

learning, and research. Another interest was the development of students’ academic literacy and research skills at the visited universities.

Khaila named her winning photo ‘Pretty and Sea’ and shows a woman sitting in a desert landscape overlooking the Dead Sea. See more here: www.masaribrahim.ps www.abrahampath.org

The visits are part of a project led by the Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and are funded by AMIDEASTUSAID. The aim is to support the academic leadership at Bethlehem University by enhancing the knowledge of deans and chairs at monitoring the teaching and learning processes within their departments and faculties.

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NEWS

Legacy Dinner in Washington D.C. In November, a Bethlehem University Legacy Dinner hosted by the Bethlehem University Foundation was held in Washington D.C. Among the highlights of the evening were the speeches of Omar Faqih, Counselor of the General Delegation of the PLO to the United States and Bethlehem University Alum Issam Andoni, who is now President of Zeva Inc, a technology-driven company delivering software solutions.

Reverend Larry Snyder, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, received the Bethlehem University Medallion in recognition of his 25 years as a priest, 10 years of leadership at Catholic Charities USA, and his unwavering support of Bethlehem University.

Brother Peter Bray addressed the audience and introduced the development plans for the University, in particular the renovation of the University Library.

Vice Chancellor Br. Peter Bray Visits the Emirates Vice Chancellor Brother Peter Bray has visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) two times this academic year. In September, he met with representatives from foundations and also met Sheikh Nahyam bin Mubarak Al Nahyan. Sheikh Nahyan heads the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Social Development in the UAE. It was the second time Brother Peter has met with Sheikh Nahyan who has been very supportive to the Friends of Bethlehem University in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Nahyan has a significant interest in the sciences and previously awarded Bethlehem University Professor Moien Kanaan with an Award for Best Scientific Researcher in the Region to Prevent Genetic Diseases.

The event was meant to raise funds for the Bethlehem University Library renovation.

Sheikh Nahyan addressed the guests, read on his behalf by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, saying he was impressed with Bethlehem University’s evolution into an innovative institution with graduates ready to serve their community. Brother Peter Bray said he was very grateful for the involvement of so many people in the UAE with the University’s educational mission in Palestine and highlighted the importance of the University Library renovation for fulfilling that mission.

Sheikh Nahyan said he was “very impressed with the work of Bethlehem University supporting Palestinian students with the many challenges you face”.

In February, a fundraising gala dinner was held in Abu Dhabi under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan. The event included a successful auction and a beautiful musical performance by Palestinian artist Ceidar Zeitoun.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Nahyan Al Nahyan.

Chapel Organ Restored The organ of Bethlehem University’s Chapel of the Divine Child has been restored. German organ builder Rainer Nass and his partner Heidi Berens spent several weeks at the University to complete the project. The organ was built in 1961 by the French company Roetlinger and was inaugurated in the same year by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

he has continued to take care of different organs in the area.

With a concert on the 27th of February featuring several musicians, the University celebrated the renovation of the organ to its former glory.

The organ is one of the finest organs in the Middle East; there are 1224 pipes in the organ. As the organ had never been cleaned or repaired since 1961, a restoration was necessary.

Br. Peter Bray Presents Medallion to Rev. Larry Snyder.

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The restoration work started in February; each of the 1224 individual pipes were taken out, cleaned, and repaired. Rainer is already retired but has been visiting the Holy Land regularly;

Rainer Nass and Heidi Berens working on the organ.

USAID and Bethlehem University Launch New Hospitality Curriculum On December 18th, Bethlehem University and USAID launched the University’s hospitality vocational training modules curriculum. USAID partnered with Bethlehem University to develop the vocational training curriculum that is designed to complement the existing academic programs available from the Bethlehem University Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism. It is specifically designed for the Palestinian tourism industry and will help provide high quality tourism services.

The event took place at Bethlehem University and was attended by Bethlehem University Vice Chancellor, Brother Peter Bray; Minister of Tourism, Ms. Rula Maayeh; USAID West Bank and Gaza Mission Director, Dave Harden; and representatives from the tourism industry.

USAID invested more than $150,000 and provided technical assistance to

the University in order to develop this curriculum which the University’s Hospitality School started teaching this Spring semester. The curriculum includes 25 courses designed to provide practical training in different segments within the tourism industry. The aim is to enhance the training capacity of the tourism service industry and to train graduates to provide high quality services across the hospitality sector and prepare them for the market needs.

The vocational training curriculum is a first step towards establishing a fully equipped training institute that will provide sustained leadership in training the tourism industry front-line staff and entrepreneurial leaders of the future to ensure the industry has the development capacity it requires.

Vice Chancellor Brother Peter Bray said he appreciated the cooperation with USAID and expressed the hope that the new curriculum will work towards people feeling welcomed and comfortable during their stay in Palestine. USAID West Bank and Gaza Director Dave Harden said that “Bethlehem has everything going for it” and that he was sure that better hospitality standards will make people want to keep coming back to the cultural, historical, and artistic experience of Palestine.

US Consul General Celebrates Thanksgiving Activity on Campus At the end of November, high school students from the Access program and the US Consul General came to the University to celebrate a Thanksgiving activity.

and activities organized by the students who afterwards presented him with several meticulously handmade gifts.

The English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) is funded by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Bethlehem University’s Institute for Community Partnership (ICP) through AMIDEAST. It is not just a language program; it provides a foundation of English language skills to talented high school students from economically disadvantaged sectors through after-school classes and intensive sessions.

The students in the Access program engage in community service and cultural activities, they learn public speaking, and build other job-related skills. The program seeks to develop the English language skills of promising students and provides them with an opportunity to participate in a substantive program of private English language training.

Vice Chancellor Brother Peter Bray welcomed the guests and pointed out that several students who participated in the program now study at Bethlehem University. US Consul General Michael Ratney took part in the various games

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EDUCATION IN PALESTINE

Developing Education In Palestine A Continuing Challenge “With the political and economic situation as it is, education represents the sole way forward for many people in the Palestinian Territories”, says Dr.Hala AlYamani, who, since 2014 holds the position of Dean of the Faculty of Education. She recognizes the same tendency as the De La Salle Brothers did in 1973 when they started Bethlehem University to provide the Palestinian people with higher education. In fact, the Bethlehem University campus previously housed a primary and secondary school that was led by French and Palestinian De La Salle Brothers. It is not unlikely then that one of the first diplomas Bethlehem University offered was the ‘Teacher Preschool Training Diploma’. The program grew into the Faculty of Education which now offers a Bachelor of Education as well as a range of specialized teacher training programs for students majoring in other

Dr. Hala Al-Yamani

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subjects such as Arabic, English, Mathematics, History & Geography, or Religion.

“When students come into my classroom, the first thing I want to work on with them is their self-confidence,” says Hala. “It is extremely important to be confident when you’re in front of a group of children, self-confidence is the characteristic of a successful teacher”. She uses drama and theatre to teach her students to be happy with themselves, and to be playful in the classroom.

Students are often shocked by her approach as education in Palestine is focused on cognition and teacher centred.

“When students finally get to University, they expect even more seriousness” Hala smiles, “and when they get games and fun, they are usually really confused”. Hala has been devoting a lot of time to studying drama and education.

In 2005 she wrote her doctoral thesis on drama and education, especially focusing on creative pedagogy.

“Creativity in the Palestinian classroom is very rare” says graduate Nadia Hazboun (’14) while sitting in the teachers’ lounge of the local Bethlehem primary she works at. In most Palestinian schools, there is very little money for teaching innovation, classes are comprised of up to 40 children and there is a strict curriculum without much room for creative deviation. But Nadia says her education at Bethlehem University has given her a lot of tools to work with those restrictions anyway. “I have learned to start the class with something fun to bring all children on the same level. Usually I’ll let them dance to let their energy out.

They’ll have fun and feel up to the task ahead afterwards.”

Students dancing at the beginning of class in Nadia Hazboun’s classroom.

Of course the theoretic learning has been important too, she says, but it is the practical knowledge that has really prepared her to be a good teacher. One of the classes Nadia says she has appreciated the most over the years she’s been teaching is the course ‘Working with Parents’. “It is of great importance to be able to successfully make the parents part of the learning process. It truly is a skill to learn how to help parents of different backgrounds to be part of their child’s education, especially here in Bethlehem, where one class can have children from different religious or economic backgrounds.”

prepares its students in the best way possible for the reality of the classroom.

“Working with children every day is a privilege”, says graduate Nadia. “I know that I not only add to their futures, but I am also building my community”. Education in Palestine can be innovated, but it happens “step by step” she says. “Change occurs when we work towards it, whether with an individual child or a system that can be better. If we sow the seeds we’ll have blooming eventually!”

Dr. Al Yamani personally knows how important creative and inspired education is. She grew up in Bethlehem but was schooled by UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East). She says she wasn’t particularly bright in school and struggled with confidence herself. When she started studying SocioPsychology at Bethlehem University she had a realization that would shape her future career, and that of many of her students.She realized that the Palestinian educational system labelled learners as good or bad according to their ability to memorize, without taking into account different talents and complexities.

Teaching students to use a learner centred approach is therefore close to her heart. The Faculty of Education offers a wide range of courses designed to deliver teachers to schools who work with the possibilities and talents of the child as a starting point. From ‘Creativity and Play’ to ‘Children with Special Needs’ and ‘Storytelling’, the Faculty

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AL QUBEIBEH

Making a Difference in Al Qubeibeh Bethlehem University’s Nursing Program in Ancient Emmaus

Al Qubeibeh, a village in the vicinity of Ramallah is idyllically situated in the Jerusalem hills. Only 11 kilometres from Jerusalem, it is one of the villages thought to be the Biblical Emmaus. The memory of Jesus’ appearance in Emmaus is kept alive in the vaults of the beautiful church that was rebuilt on the ruins of a Crusader church from the 14th century. In the shadow of the church lies the campus of Bethlehem University’s nursing program in Qubeibeh.

However, the village is not carefree; it has been disconnected from Jerusalem by the separation wall which has crippled the local economy.

When we visit the campus on a beautiful spring morning, an almond tree close to the old building is teeming with white blossoms.

Students are bent over books and hanging out with friends. The program’s director, Usama Zahran, welcomes us with piping hot Arabic coffee and fresh pastries. He brings us up to the roof where we can see Ramallah to the East and the Mediterranean Sea to the West. The Jerusalem hills spread in green waves around us. “Most students here come from the area” Usama says. “There is no higher education except in Ramallah, which is too far for most of our students, especially girls”. This Biblical village harbours a traditional and conservative population. “It was not common for women to continue past high school” says Usama, explaining that it was seen as “unnecessary”. But, he adds, the

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wonderful thing about the nursing program is that it has combined higher education with what many families see as a traditional care role for women.

However not only women come to study nursing in Qubeibeh. According to Mahmoud, a third year student, there are not many options for young people. “But I really wanted to go into nursing” he says.

“I enjoy the medical work and I love that I am able to take care of people”. He says he is also “passionate” about innovating the medical care in Palestine, especially in the field of mental health care. During the spring semester Mahmoud will intern at the mental health hospital in Bethlehem, the only of its kind in Palestine. All students in the nursing program are required to do several internships in a variety of hospitals. “Practical training is probably even more important than the theory we teach here” says Usama Zahran. “It helps the students understand their theory and learn how to care for patients in the right way.” When asked what subject he loved the most, Mahmoud says that the ethics course made him excited to be working as a nurse.

“Nursing is all about values” he explains.

“Taking care of others, especially patients with mental problems requires a whole lot of love and good principles.”

The nursing program provides education for its students but also has a major impact on

the surrounding villages. Several successful literacy classes for women have been organized as well as parenting classes for local parents. Another important part of the social outreach program in the village is the annual health day staff and students organize. Hundreds of local people come every year to get a basic medical check-up, from measuring cholesterol to blood pressure. The students have also given workshops specifically focused on women, teaching women to carry out breast screenings and healthy lifestyle workshops.

of nurses in Palestine” she explains. “It is reassuring to know that I will definitely have a job, but I also want to make a change in the place I’ll be working. Sometimes there is a lack of emotional care, but I think taking care of patients emotionally is one of my strong points”.

Usama Zahran is proud of what the program has achieved in Al Qubeibeh, he says when we walk around the small campus. “It was huge for our village, getting a University program here, it shows you how much is really possible” he says.

Access to excellent academic and social programming has had a positive impact on Al Qubeibeh, especially after the negative socio-economic impact the separation wall has had on the area. Unemployment rates reached 80% in the village after the area was cut off from Jerusalem; most Palestinian workers from the village lost their jobs inside Israel due to travel restrictions.

However, the village has gradually been able to shift its focus toward Ramallah. Many of the nursing program’s graduates go on to work in Ramallah hospitals. The village itself has a clinic and a home for the elderly, which have also benefited from the influx of locally trained nurses.

In the small library on campus sits Muna, a freshman student from Jerusalem. She travels back and forth between Jerusalem and Al Qubeibeh each day. Because she has a Jerusalem ID card, she is able to pass the checkpoints. She says she decided to study nursing after she volunteered for a year in the French Hospital in Jerusalem after she finished high school. Muna says the work with people gripped her and she decided to enroll in Bethlehem University’s nursing program. Although it takes her almost two hours each day to reach Al Qubeibeh, she says it’s worth it. “There is a shortage

Ruins in Al Qubeibeh next to the church.

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BETHLEHEM & TOURISM

Bethlehem, Ancient Center of Spiritual Travel in Palestine Tourists taking part in Holy Land tours often make their way to Bethlehem, wanting to set eyes on the iconic cave where Jesus is said to have been born. The majestic Basilica of the Nativity with the Orthodox, Armenian, and Latin churches within its walls evokes experiences of spirituality in many who visit. It is not uncommon to hear groups of visitors singing hymns when gathered in the caves under the basilica, while for others a sense of stillness is evoked. Both are reactions flowing from people’s connection with the story of the place. Although many tourists might not be aware of the intricate layers of histories of Bethlehem, the story of Jesus’ birth is often interwoven with their own personal histories.

A tourist from the United States, who I recently encountered in Bethlehem, told me she experienced a feeling of belonging, a feeling of ‘knowing’ this place that was in reality very ‘out of place’ from what she was acquainted with in North America. Interestingly, she recognized that this was to do with how much the biblical stories of Bethlehem had been ingrained in her.

Bethlehem, as a town, can benefit from this spiritual connection many tourists have with it. The biblical story might not always be the most complete rendition of Bethlehem’s history, but that is something that can be adjusted over time. Fact is, most tourists have a spiritual interest in Bethlehem. What do we mean by ‘spiritual’?

A simple dictionary definition of the word offers us two options. First, something that is of or concerning the ‘spirit’ as opposed to ‘matter’ and, second, something that is inspired, refined, sensitive. I am particularly taken with the second part of this definition. Spiritual tourism means becoming inspired, being affected through one’s senses, and so, through experiences, becoming part of the story of the place you’re visiting. Palestine, Bethlehem especially, lends itself to that experience par excellence.

Handal House at Mount David.

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Unfortunately most visitors are robbed of the opportunity to explore that spirituality of inspiration and sensitivity while here, simply because they do not spend enough time in Bethlehem. The political situation has resulted in deliberate fear mongering where tourists are told it is too dangerous to walk around in Bethlehem. They are bussed in to see the Nativity Church and then immediately taken back to Jerusalem.

Bethlehem University has been asking the question how, as an academic institution, we can contribute to a thriving religious tourism sector in Palestine, and Bethlehem especially. The past years have been marked by consultations with the private and public tourism sectors to map the religious tourism market in Palestine. One of the outcomes of this benchmarking process is the need for high quality vocational training programs that educate Palestinians to work in the tourism and service industry. Since then, the Institute of Hotel Management has launched a new academic and vocational curriculum that is geared towards delivering the highest standards in the field, ranging from front office management to food safety practices and culinary arts.

Future plans include a state-of-the-art training hotel and restaurant in the former hospital and Handal House at Mount David in Bethlehem’s Old City.

The almost two million visitors that make their way to Bethlehem annually need to have the most positive experience possible. With religious tourism worldwide on the

rise – currently estimated at a value of US$18 billion and 300 million travelers – we need to have a Palestinian response to that growing market. We have amazing religious and cultural assets in Bethlehem, but as a community we need to make sure that Bethlehem has an appeal to travelers beyond those common landmarks. Generating income for the Bethlehem community is largely dependent on travelers not leaving Bethlehem immediately after their visit to the Nativity Church. That requires a comprehensive and high quality service sector.

As a Lasallian institution, Bethlehem University highly values both education and spirituality. In stimulating religious tourism, we bring those together. Bethlehem is uniquely cut out for inspired, experiential tourism. High quality services will attract longer stays, which will stimulate our local economy. For visitors, staying in Bethlehem longer will give them the opportunity to interweave their spiritual stories with the real stories of our town: stories of distress, but also of hope and resilience.

This article first appeared in This Week In Palestine, Palestine’s only English-language magazine.

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GRADUATE PROFILE

Honey Taljieh living the football dream at FIFA “Bethlehem University opened many doors for me” says graduate Honey Taljieh (‘06) over a cup of coffee in a café close to the campus. She is in Bethlehem for a vacation and we have taken advantage of the opportunity to meet her. Passionate for football, she lives in Zurich where she works at the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) headquarters in corporate communications.

With a beaming smile Honey agrees that her journey has deviated quite a bit from the beaten path. As a child she used to play football outside in Bethlehem’s narrow streets and developed a love for the game. An unusual pastime for girls in Palestine, where women and sports do not often collide. But Honey’s passion for football only grew and when she entered Bethlehem University as a freshman to study Business Administration, she was quickly noticed by the University’s director of the Athletics Department, Samar Moussa. “In 2003 we set up an allfemale football team, I was so excited we got to do that” says Honey, who became the team’s captain.

The team did exceptionally well and formed a Palestinian women’s football league with other teams that had formed in Palestine following the example of Bethlehem University. In 2009 the BU women’s football team competed against the Jordanian national team with 14.000 spectators.

A dream come true for Honey, which unfortunately quickly dissolved after she was injured. She had no choice but

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to give up being a football player all together.

After graduation, Honey worked with NGOs to get children throughout Palestine doing sports, especially girls. “Sport helps with keeping them active and from the streets, away from frustration and extremism” she says. Very rewarding work, but, she says, “something kept itching”.

Unable to pursue the professional football dream, Honey decided to act on a different dream; doing an MA in Management, Law and Humanities of Sport with the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA).

she walked around the University’s campus, deserted because the students are on their winter break.

“Amazing to be back” she says. “It feels like a warm bath, I was really supported here and pushed to develop my talents.” That effort certainly paid off, she says. “Bethlehem University has been a huge blessing in my life, the first stepping stone to this adventure.”

After a strict selection process Honey was accepted in 2011 and spent the year studying in England, Italy, and Switzerland. She went on to do an internship with FIFA where she combined her passion for development and women’s football.

She stayed with FIFA and is hired in 2013 as a Corporate Communications Manager.

“I want to change perceptions” Honey says. That has everything to do with how women are viewed. Not only in sports, also in general. “I am an Arab woman, a Palestinian, a Christian; the odds are not really in my favor” she laughs. But her role at FIFA also helps her to give shape to these minority identities. She is expected to speak out. For women, for Palestinian sports people, for equality.

Just before our meeting Honey says

Photo By: IMC Honey gave a talk at TEDxZurich last November.

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STUDENT PROFILE

Yacoub Kamleh Yacoub is a first year Education major from Jerusalem’s Old City. He loves coming to Bethlehem University everyday even though it is not always easy passing checkpoints. He would like to contribute to making education better in Palestine and hopes to eventually be able to combine teaching with policy making. We spoke with him about his hopes and dreams.

Do you ever think about what you will do after you graduate?

“I do, even though I just started my studies here. I really want to contribute to my society and I think education is a great way to do so. I would love to combine teaching with policy making. My family is very supportive, I am the oldest and the first to go to university. I think that makes me want to work even harder.”

What is your favorite book? “I have two favorite books. I love The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho for its fairytale story showing us how we have to look for our dreams. The other book that taught me a lot is Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson about dealing with change and planning ahead.”

What do you like most about Bethlehem University? “The personal relations with teachers. They are really dedicated and happy to help. They listen and offer advice; it makes me more determined to become a teacher!”

How did you decide to come to Bethlehem University? “I had heard positive stories of other students and also knew that the Faculty of Education is excellent. Because I knew I wanted to work in education the choice was made quickly.”

What is it like to live in Jerusalem and come to Bethlehem every day? “The bus station is located just outside the Old City walls, so it is just one bus ride for me. Time is not really the issue; the checkpoints are what makes it hard to travel back and forth between Bethlehem and Jerusalem. It can be challenging to go through the checkpoint twice a day because you never know what will happen. It can be very stressful.”

Summer Intensive Courses 2015 Spoken & Media Arabic

Bethlehem University offers intensive Arabic courses every year in July and August.

Different learning levels are available; beginner, intermediate, advanced, and proficient.

Each class and level comprises 60 academic hours.

The application process has now started.

Register now:

Email: arabiccourses@bethlehem.edu

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Testing Rural Water Springs for Safe Drinking Water

Headed by Dr. Alfred Abed Rabbo, the researchers at WSERU have been analyzing the biological and chemical components of water of springs and wells as well as a small selection of cisterns, reservoirs and network outlets since its start in 1987. Reem Zeitoun (’94) received an Internal Research Grant from Bethlehem University to

16

detect toxic Boron in drink and waste water in the Bethlehem area. She has started taking samples from local wells and open waste water during the summer – the dry season – of 2014. The project will be completed by the end of this academic year, as the second round of analysis is being done in winter; the wet season.

On a bright January morning, Reem Zeitoun and Joseph Danho from the Water and Soil Environmental Research Unit (WSERU) at Bethlehem University take water samples from a village spring close to Bethlehem. It’s their first stop en route to different villages in the Bethlehem area.

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The Battir village spring is idyllically situated within a hill landscape known as widian. Its characteristic stone terraces are irrigated for market garden production or planted with grapevines and olive trees. The other villages they visit seem equally pastoral. While walking through a wadi close to the Wadi Fukin village, it is easy to spot some of the 11 springs that feed a complex system of irrigation pools that makes the agricultural business here so productive. When Reem reaches the nearest spring, fresh water comes gushing from between stones. It looks clean and fresh, but Reem warns not to drink it.

“The water is not as clean as it looks” she says. “It has hazardous biological components, probably traces of human waste, because the village does not have a proper waste water system”.

The cauliflowers, Swiss chard, marrow, and chicory that are growing abundantly next to the water stream suddenly look a lot less appetizing.

Researching the water quality in the Bethlehem area also means taking the environmental issues caused by the political situation into account. The villages Reem takes her samples from all seem pastoral, with their green terraces dwindling their ways up the hills. However, many of the villages are threatened by the separation wall and settlement building. The village springs are naturally filled by rainfall that runs down the surrounding hills, but the expansion of neighboring settlements as well as nearby Israeli industrial sites means water is diverted from the natural springs. The springs are also often contaminated

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by toxins, pesticides, and wastewater from these industrial sites.

However, most of the springs are biologically contaminated, meaning that the amount of harmful bacteria measured far exceeds the permissible limit of zero. Reem stresses that the water in those cases is not potable but that there should be no problem with irrigation.

However, in the past, it was found that Wadi Fukin’s central village spring had a large amount of nitrate in its water, causing Methaemoglobinaemia, also called “blue baby syndrome”, which is caused by the decreased ability of blood to carry vital oxygen around the body. As milk formula often is prepared with water from the springs and wells, many infants in rural areas are affected. According to the World Health Organization, infants are most often affected with symptoms ranging from having trouble breathing as well as suffer from vomiting and diarrhea.

The Water and Soil Environmental Research Unit contributes to prevention of such diseases by mapping springs with dangerous levels of hazardous waste. Community based projects can use these data to raise awareness within the villages, but it is also important for international NGOs to have access to information on the potability of water on the West Bank as it helps set agendas for aid programming.

“We need a combination of research and practical action” says Reem, explaining about the communities’ problems.

“It is very important that people understand the dangers of drinking non potable water and are given alternatives, our research is a step in that direction”.

UNIVERSITY MATTERS

Advancing the University Br. Stephen Tuohy is the Vice President for Advancement.

During the opening of this spring semester, Vice Chancellor Peter Bray addressed the staff and faculty saying that Bethlehem University is an institute that is always in motion. There had been times, he said, that people might have thought the University was ‘finished’, but time has proven that Bethlehem University keeps growing. Indeed, such growth needs a continuous effort to secure the funds.

Bethlehem University’s historic purpose is to serve the Palestinian people to the best of our capabilities. That includes a continuous effort to improve our academic programs and facilities. The primary way in which we accomplish this is by garnering non-government financial support from a variety of areas.

Unlike universities in other parts of the world, our alumni base is not able to provide significant funds, so Bethlehem University looks for other opportunities. We are very thankful to have a generous constituency in Europe and the United States that provides the University with the necessary means to operate the institution on a daily basis. We have also started to develop our relations with the Arab world, particularly in the Gulf States.

but is now raising funds to renovate the property. Another future project we are looking to realize is improved athletic facilities for our students. All these plans will greatly improve the teaching quality and experience at Bethlehem University.

Fundraising for capital projects does not happen by itself.

Fundraising efforts take time and are realized because so many dedicated people here at Bethlehem University give their skills and efforts to bring these plans to fruition. Our constituents are crucial in helping us build new networks and connecting us with potential investors.

Philanthropy has always been, and always will be, a cornerstone of Bethlehem University. Donors share our sense of responsibility and commitment to Palestinian society.

Their generosity and engagement helps us fulfill our historic purpose. If we are to achieve our shared ambitions we must continue to develop our ability to attract philanthropic funding now and in the future.

Annual giving of our constituents helps cover much of the University’s running costs. We are planning for a number of capital projects to improve the learning experience of our students. One of the projects we are undertaking is the renovation of the University Library, which is starting in May 2015 and will be finished in January 2016. The renovation will cost 2,900,000 USD of which 2,100,000 USD has already been raised. We are very fortunate to have received 1,575,000 USD from USAID-ASHA (American Schools and Hospitals Abroad) in addition to many individual donations. The library will be brought into the 21st century with up to date technology and design geared towards creating the best learning experience for our students.

The University Library renovation is only the start of the plans we are developing for our campus. The Science Faculty is in need of a larger accommodation with better equipped laboratories. The same applies to the Faculty of Nursing and the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism. Bethlehem University has acquired a property in central Bethlehem to move the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism to

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Thank You

For Your Generosity $150,000+

$10,000+

Anonymous Erzbischöfliches Generalvikariat Köln Fundación Promoción Social de la Cultura – Madrid OXFAM GB Mario Gustav H. Toumayan, In Honor of Brother Jean T. Manuel, FSC

Aid to the Church in Need Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, société anonyme Bethlehem Association Scholarship Fund Bethlehem University Foundation EOHSJ–England and Wales Lieutenancy EOHSJ–USA Northern Lieutenancy EOHSJ–USA Northwestern Lieutenancy Freres des Ecoles Chretiennes Mrs. Lily S. Hazbun Mrs. Suad Husseini Juffali John C. & Carolyn Noonan Parmer Private Foundation Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem L’Oeuvre D’Orient Ministry of Higher Education New Zealand Embassy in Turkey Pontifical Mission for Palestine Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem United Holy Land Fund University of Washington Ursuline Sisters-Contemplatives in Ministry

Signum Fidei

$50,000+ Founders Club

Mr. Elias and Mrs. Annette Aburdene Actionaid Australia Anonymous Association en faveur de la Bethlehem University The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Mr. Frank J. Bremser Mr. James L. and Dr. Hildegard Charles Christian Brothers Conference Custody of the Holy Land Diakonia-Finland EOHSJ - Grand Magisterium EOHSJ - USA Western Lieutenancy Friends of Bethlehem University in England and UK Murex S.A. Salvatorian Sisters

$25,000+ Trustees Club

Mr. and Mrs. Bassam Aburdene American Embassy Belgian Technical Cooperation EOHSJ - USA North Central Lieutenancy Christian Brothers Community Bethlehem University German Association of the Holy Land Mr. Bassam M. Jabr MISSIO Mr. Tony Saca and Mrs. Ilham Saca Schwab Charitable Fund USAID West Bank & Gaza Vikes Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wolfe

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Chairman’s Club

$5,000+

Chancellor’s Club Al- Rowad Culture & Theatre Society- Aida Camp - Bethlehem Al-Makassed Islamic Charitable Society Hospital Anonymous (2) Catholic Charities USA Charles Foundation Charitable Trust Christian Brothers St. John’s Community De La Salle Institute Embassy of the State of Qatar EOHSJ–German Lieutenancy EOHSJ–USA North Central Lieutenancy Ms. Elizabeth Gordon Sir Michael and Lady Karen Hall Intradeco Apparel Inc Konrad Adenauer Stiftung E.V. Mr. and Mrs. James F. Leahy Brother Richard Lemberg, FSC Middle East Children’s Alliance

Munib R. Masri Development Foundation Münster University of Applied Sciences PalTel Group Foundation Mr. Rajaie Qubain Mr. Jose Eduardo Siman Mary Cassaretto Simon Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem

$1,000+

Vice Chancellor’s Club Mr. Mohannad N. Abu Dayya 2008 Ahdaf Al -Zaytoonah Society for Youth Development AMIDEAST - West Bank Anonymous (3) His Excellency Maen R. Areikat Linda and David Bohan Helen and Frank Brady Mr. Robert Brass Br. James Miller Social Justice Fund J. H. Butta Deacon Jim & Teresa Carper Catholic Relief Services Mr. Pierre Cattoir Christian Brothers Community La Salle Institute Christians Aware CNEWA Mary Louise & Bruce Cohen Congregation of Our Lady of Sion/Notre Dame de Sion Archbishop Giuseppe De Andrea De La Salle Brothers of the Christian Schools, DENA District Mr. Rudy Deleon F. Richard and Margaret Ann Dion Mr. and Mrs. Ed Eadeh, In loving memory of Musallam and Oafa Eadeh through the love of Jesus from the Eadeh Family Ecce Homo Convent/Notre Dame de Sion Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman Dr. and Mrs. Erwin H. Engert, Jr. EOHSJ - England and Wales Lieutenancy EOHSJ - German Lieutenancy Ms. Jean Faber Dr. Manal Fakhoury, In Loving Memory of Rihab Yacoub

1 September 2014 – 28 February 2015

Prof. Dr. Thompson M. Faller The Four Homes of Mercy Friends of the Holy Land - Palestine General Delegation of the PLO The George and Rhonda Salem Family Foundation William Ginivan and Nancy McBride Mr. Pierre Guislain and Ms. Marie-France Mathes The Nabil and Annette Habayeb Fund Mr. and Mrs. Issa Habesch Mr. and Mrs. Edward S. Hazboun 1977 Mary and Manford Hotchkiss Ms. Nancy L. Iredale Ms. Brigitte Jaensch Jawhar Family Scholarship Association Jerusalem Institute For Development Michelle Jezycki Mr. Frank Jungers Mr. Nils and Mrs. Josephine Kamsvaag Mr. Andrei Karkar Brian Katulis Elias and Carolyn Khoury Ladah Foundation Leaders Organization Mary L. Levin Karen J. Linder Marie-France Mathes His Eminence Cardinal Theodore McCarrick Dr. Thomas and Mrs. Sally McGovern Pamela and Robert Mertz Diane A. Nixon Mr. John B. O’Hagan, In Memory of Baby Mary O’Hagan Brother John O’Neill, FSC Orthodox National Charitable Society Palestinian Initiative for Supporting Students Prof. and Mrs. Mazin B. Qumsiyeh Saint Brigid’s Parish Mr. George Salem Deb Sawyer Mr. Imad Shyayyeh Sisters of St. Joseph Generalate Shibley Telhami and Kathryn Hopps Dr. Nenita Tenefrancia Mr. Brian Thompson Tree of Life Educational Fund, Inc. United Palestinian Appeal Universität Hohenheim Vanguard Charitable

John Viste and Elaine Strite Wataneyeh Mobile Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Father Josef Wick The Xerox Foundation

$500+

Special Friends George and Polla Abed Father Jerome Ainsworth Anonymous (2) Mrs. Corina Archipley Drs. Nicholas J. and Joyce K. S. Babiak Mr. and Mrs. Tasso A. Bandak Gerald R. Barnes Ginger and Jim Biedron Peter A. Biggins John and Marianne Borelli Mr. and Mrs. Elias Botto John and Christine Brown Msgr. Paul A. Byrnes Ms. Rebecca Calaor Rev. Joseph P. Callipare Christian Brothers Community at Manhattan College Dannoun Corporation For Industrial Electricity Drs. Stephen and Cheryl Colecchi Mr. and Mrs. James Eckstein Edward D. Jones & Co. Custodian Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund General Mills Foundation Christa M. Gorman Mr. Alex I. I. Hadweh John D. Herrick Lee and Ginnie Huntsman ICAHD-UK Susie Imam Huda and T. E. Jackson, In Memory of Hadiya Bitar Diana and Andrew Jezycki Mr. Eugen Keller Kongregation D. Christi Schulen La Salle International Foundation Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem Geraldine Lawhon Mr. and Mrs. Brian D. Lynch Dr. Margaret McCarty Mr. Daniel McGowan Mr. and Mrs. Marshal I. McMahon

Mr. John Merrigan Mr. Alan Morgan Very Rev. John Joseph Murray Mr. and Mrs. Naim E. Nawas Timothy and Julia O’Keefe Rev. Thomas M. O’Donnell Our Lady Queen of All Creation Parish Peter K. Phelan Frances E. Radencic Barbara G. Reynolds, in Memory of Joseph Reynolds Mr. Jamal A. Sa’d Dr. Clayton Sinyai Mr. and Mrs. Barney Skladany Robert D. Booth and Lorraine Sostowski Mr. and Mrs. John Steger Vanguard Charitable Mrs. Constance van Wesemael Keith Walters Patrick White and Pauline Smetka

$100+

Century Club Mr. and Mrs. James Abadia Dr. and Mrs. Odeh Aburdene Mr. and Mrs. Nasser Abu Sitta Robert B. Acomb, Jr. Steve and Miriam Adams Ms. Lilibeth T. Alcazar Dr. Thomas Ambrose Anonymous (8) Anonymous, In Honor of Brother Joseph Loewenstein, FSC for his Dedication to the University Anonymous, To Celebrate Christmas, Louis le Mahieu Joe and Ann Marie Arden Ms. Adelfa Armentia Victoria and Michael Armstrong Rev. John S. Baggley Drs. John and Rosalene-Cardarelli Ballard Mary H. Ballard Brother Thomas Barton, OSF Dr. and Mrs. Gabriel John Batarseh Mr. and Mrs. William Bean Brother Dominic Berardelli, FSC Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Berner, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael M. Berzowski Bethlehem University Foundation

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Thank You For Your Generosity Ms. Mary M. Blandford Mr. Craig Borchardt Ms. Sharyn K. Bozied Dr. Eleanor Shaheen Braddock Prof. Jack R. Breihan Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Brennan Britton/Giaimo Brothers of the Christian Schools, Saint Peter’s High School Mr. Edwin L. Brown, In Honor of Mazin Qumsiyeh Fr. John R. Burke Most Rev. Raymond L. Burke, Prefect Mr. and Mrs. Bruce B. Butler Rev. Joseph P. Callipare William Canny Mrs. Catherine Carey Dr. John Carmody Brother Robert Carnaghi, FSC Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Caruana Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Caruso Jack and Gerry Casey Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Cassidy, In Honor of Dina Rishmawi, To Celebrate God Bless Mr. and Mrs. Raymond C. Ceasar Chevron Matching Employee Funds Christian Brothers of the Midwest, Inc. Mr. and Mrs. Matthew J. Christoff Christ the King Parish Brother Carl Clayton, FSC Mr. and Mrs. James Coady, Ph.D. Colgate-Palmolive Company Brother Bernard Conroy, FSC Dr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Coppinger Ms. Carolyn A. Cox Mr. Robert Craig Mr. Alan Cram and Rev. Pamela M. Cram Mr. Adrian Crook Mr. and Mrs. Paul Crossey Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dacquisto Mr. and Dr. Jonathan Darby Dr. Lesley Dawson Mr. Christian Descoups De La Salle College - Malta Mr. and Dr. Johnathan Darby Ms. Hiyam Margaret Deeby Ann S. Dickson, LCHS Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Di Giacomo Sister Joan Dombrowski, PBVM Mr. Jose Marie Dominado Tom and Karen Dowd Mr. and Mrs. Jack J. Dudum, In Memory

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of John Botto Shehade Drs. Brian and Gloria Duffy Mr. Thomas P. Duffy Sister William Eileen Dunn, D.C. Cree and Frazer Durrett Capt. Ty Ebright, In Memory of Adwan Sehab, A Supporter of the Museum of Natural History Peter and Kathy Eder, In Memory of Archbishop Giovanni de Andrea Father Gregg Elliott, In Memory of Janette Elliott, a Love Never Lost Brother Chris Englert, FSC, In Honor of Ralph and Mary Englert Margild & Alexander Ercklentz M. et Mme. Abel Erondel ExxonMobil Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Paul Faherty Mr. Barry and Mrs. Angela Fairweather Rev. Joseph P. Fallon Mr. and Mrs. Nabil Farage Mr. Anthony J. Fasano Gerald F. Flood Charles H. Foos Brother Paul French, FSC Father William Galvin, M.M. Rev. James Gardiner Mr. John Joseph Garvey Brother Florent Gaudreault, FSC Dr. Victoria M. Geraldo Sir Patrick A. and Lady Shirley A. Giacomi Ms. Patricia Giangrande Mr. and Mrs. Frank Giannantonio Mr. Thomas Anthony Glaister Mr. and Mrs. John E. Glenski Dennis and Monica Golden, In Honor of Brother Jack Curran FSC, Ph.D. Brother Paul Grass, FSC Mr. and Mrs. Edward D. Grayson Mr. James D. Griffin Sister Canice Hanrahan Rev. Lynn B. Harrington Mr. and Mrs. Kamal A. Hazboun Herrn Prof. Dr. Siegfried Hermle Mrs. Veronica A. Hertel, In Honor of Rev. Ronald J. Lewinski, Merry Christmas Father Dr. Faysal Hijazen Ms. Sherrill Hogen Mr. G. Richard Hull Mr. Joseph E. Imbriaco Mr. and Mrs. Charles Irwin Deacon Sir & Lady Henry Jacquemet

Ms. Lourdes Jalandoon Tess and Dan Jarquio Ms. Denise Jezycki and Maria Sandoval Mr. Alan R. Jones Ms. Mary J. I. Juha 2000 Just Give Mr. Misbah Kamal Dr. and Mrs. Albert G. Karam, In Memory of Brother Vincent Malham, FSC Harry and Ana Katz Mr. Michael Kearns Mr. Bryan Keilty Mr. Edward Kelly Mr. Peter Kelly Mr. Anthony Keenan Brother Dominic Kennedy, FSC Dr. Colleen Keyes Walter and Judith A. Kimbrough, Jr. Dr. Georg H. Kleine, In Honor of Doris Norrito, Tireless Humanitarian Robert and Barbara Klocke George M. Kloster Ann Kohl Pat Kozak Rev. Raymond J. Kupke, Ph.D. Ms. Patricia M. Latteri BJ and Maureen Leddy Dennis Lester Rev. Msgr. Gerald L. Lewis Ms. Joan F. Lewis Dr. and Mrs. Gerald F. Loftus Mr. John Lonergan Rev. Janet Loyd Archbishop George J. Lucas Rev. John M. Malone Mar Mansour/St. Vincent Brother William Martin, FSC Ms. Judith B. Marx Mrs. Sally McClean Joe McDonald and Madeleine Raymond Lucy C. McGuirk Ms. Teresa McLaughlin John and Vera McMahon Daniel Medinger, KHS Alice T. Meyer, In Memory of Sister Catherine Litecky, CSJ Mr. Christian J. Michener Rev. Thomas Millane Ms. Melbal Gaspar Miranda Mr. Benjamin Monastero III Jamie Monk Ms. Margaret Mooney

1 September 2014 – 28 February 2015

Rev. Peter Morgan Mr. Daniel R. Murray Mr. Gerald J. Najor and Ms. Toni Najor Ms. Pauline Nashashibi Ms. Elizabeth Neuse Ms. Maria Asuncion Nicolau Ms. Teresita Nicolau Madame Germana P. Nijim, In Memory of Dr. Nijim, a Scholar and a Great Human Being Ron and Lorraine Nilson Mr. William Norris Ms. Doris F. Norrito Rev. Robert H. Oldershaw Mr. and Mrs. George Omran, In Memory of John Botto Shehade Oracle Corporation Matching Gifts Program Ms. Myrna Orbana Orthodox University Students Fund Rev. and Mrs. David Osborne Carolyn Osiek, RSCJ Mr. W. Dennis Owen, AFSC Parish of Blessed Dominic Barberi The Parish of Corpus Christi Mr. Donald Parkinson, In Honor of the Youth of Palestine Prof. Dr. John Durham Peters, In Memory of Duane Paulsen Deacon Joseph Peters Petrusse ASBL Nancy and John Pielemeier Rev. Mark R. Pierce Pilgrim Center of Hope Mrs. Jane Plum Mr. and Mrs. John Poland Dr. and Mrs. Maher N. Qabar, Ph.D. 1987, In Memory of Nicola and Dalal Qabar Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Quigley, In Honor of Catherine Quigley Sister Marianne Race Monika L. & John Q. Rathbone Ellen Regan Nancy Reichel Mattie Renn John Ring Dr. Patrick Ring Mr. and Mrs. David W. Robinson Jane and Richard Rodeheffer Ms. Constancia Romilly Rose Cottage- De La Salle Brothers Brother James J. Roszak, FSC

Beth and Paul Royer Mary Catherine Ryan Miss Sonia Saadi Saint Joseph’s Collegiate Institute, In Honor of Most Rev. Richard J. Malone Saint Nicholas at Wade Community Saint Peter’s Boys High School St. Peters Catholic Church, Eynsham, UK, To Celebrate the work of St. Peter’s Church St. Victoria Church Mr. Anthony M. Salameh Pauline Scharres Mr. and Mrs. Peter C. Schaumber Rev. and Mrs. Gerald Scherkenbach Msgr. Konrad Schmidt, Ph.D. Mr. David R. Schultze II Dr. Mimi Schuttloffel Kathy Sheehan Mr. and Mrs. Patrick J. Shepherd Mr. Robert Sime and Mrs. Anne Marie Sime Ms. Jennifer L. Smith, MSc, PGCert HE, Dip COT, MBAOT Father Richard Smith, To Celebrate Your Ministry Richard Smith Brother Robert J. Smith, FSC, Ph.D. Mr. Ronald Smith Mr. Brian Soukup Sir and Mrs. Young D. Steward, KGCHS Rev. Father Thomas F. Stransky, CSP Susan Stevenot Sullivan Joe and Patty Symkowick Mr. and Mrs. Kamel Totah, In Memory of John Botto Shehade Ms. Carol Trantow and Martin Dentinger Ms. Margaret M. Trepal Rev. Msgr. Charles F. Troncale Geert van Dartel Sonia Vandama Mr. Maarten Van den Oord Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Vasut Peter and Liz Viering Mrs. Marilyn K. Vierra Prof. Dr. Rabab Ward The Warta Family Sir William Randolph Weber, KGCHS Maria T. Wilms, LHS Dr. Kathleen C. Yosko Mr. Johannes Zang Mr. Edmond W. Zumot

$25+

Silver Anniversary Mrs. Donna I. Abramov Ms. Ma Febe Aguirre Anonymous (4) Anonymous, In Memory of Brother Vincent Malham, FSC Ms. Ellen E Barfield Dr. Daniel Beauchamp Mrs. Maria C. Boria Berna Tony and Marie Brear Dorothy C. Buck, Ph.D Rev. John E. Burger Anne F. and James P.Burke Mrs. Sheila Burns Juan C. Catapang Mrs. Elizabeth Clugston Ms. Victoria Dhabalt Compton Mr. John & Ret.Hon. Colleen Conway Cooney Mrs. Rita Courthold Mr. William L Crozier Sheila Curran Mrs. Deborah Darnes Andrew and Emily Davis Mr. and Mrs. Daniel L. Dematteis David J. Depew Rev. Charles E. DesRuisseaux Diocese of Springfield in Illinois Rev. Michael Doyle, OSM Mr. and Mrs. Graham Edwards Ms. Lucy Fallon Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Finnegan, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Fogelstrom, In Memory of John Botto Shehade Sister Joan Gannon, RSCJ Ms. Theodora C. Geokezas Sister Barbara Gfeller, SNJM Mr. Anthony S. Graefe Mr. Richard Guthrie Mr. Michael Gwilliam J. Hammand Count Jay Hamburger, To Celebrate My Daughter’s Emerging as a Butterfly Mr. and Mrs. David Hart Ms. Erin F. Hayden Brother Eric Henderson, FSC Rev. Rudolf Hinz Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Hooey Rev. Stephen E. Hook

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1 September 2014 – 28 February 2015

Rev. Mark R. Ivany Mr. and Mrs. David F. Johnson, In Honor of Mazin Qumsiyeh Mr. and Mrs. William R. Jorgensen Mrs. Elaine Kay Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Kelly Dr. David H. Kelly Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Kelley Father Daniel Klem Sister Sarah Kohles KW Botanicals Inc. Mr. David Lacheck Ms. Mary Lane Dr. Maurise Lapierre Ms. Madeline Lutjeharms Mr. Donald Mahoney Marshall Marks Ms. Africa Martinez Vera Masrieh-Homsi Jim and Ann McGill Brother Joel William McGraw, FSC, In

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Memory of Brother Vincent Malham, FSC M. Jean-Louis Mignot, In Memory of Our Stay in Jerusalem M. and Mme. André Miquel Mr. Arthur Milner Mr. and Mrs. James R. Morris Father John R. Morris, OP Mrs. Maureen Mullally-Clarke Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Nielsen Joseph Nix Sir John H. Nutley, KCG*HS Sister Irene O’Neill, CSJ, Ed.D. John and Joyce Petro Sir Richard and Lady Katherine Pizzato Curt and Marybeth Ries Margaret Robbins Mr. Adam Roufberg, To Celebrate the birthday of Intesar T. and Nature Mrs. Robert M. Schroder Sister Eileen Schuller Rev. Donald Senior, CP

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur L. Sheridan Mr. and Mrs. William G. Shorney Mrs. Audrey Smith Mr. Kenneth Solak Ana M. Spitzmesser Mrs. Anne Stapleton Rev. Cletus Stein Mr. and Mrs. John Tancabel Mr. and Mrs. Michael Toso Mr. and Mrs. Benigno Trigo Mr. and Mr. Gerald Turner, To Celebrate a Great Pilgrim Leader, Fr. G. Edmunds Mr. Richard E. Ullrich Mr. Austin Varney Ms. Sharon B. Ward Mrs. Ann A. White Ms. Marlis Worthington Michael and Kathy Wright Mr. August Yanke Robert & Dianne Younkin

Well Spent Providing a human and Christian education to all youth, especially the poor and marginalized, is the Lasallian mission that Bethlehem University has always embraced.

Although higher education is highly valued in Palestine, it is also a large financial strain on most families.

With poverty rates in the Palestinian Territories at 25.8% and deep poverty rates at 12.9%, it is impossible for most students to cover the full cost of their education, which totals at 4,000 USD per academic year per student. Bethlehem University has always been committed to helping its students and covers more than half of the total cost of each student’s education. That means that we raise over half of our running costs to keep the University functioning.

for one academic year even after Bethlehem University has paid for over half of the cost of their education. In those cases, students are eligible for extra help in the form of scholarships. To determine which students are eligible for scholarships, their grade point average is considered as well as the results of a social survey that rates their socioeconomic circumstances. Social workers carry out home visits to make sure Bethlehem University provides the appropriate aid to each student in need.

There are many students who are unable to cover the fees

During the Fall Semester of 2014/2015, 845 students received scholarships. Through Bethlehem University’s far-reaching financial support of its students, it has become a beacon of hope to students from all abilities and backgrounds in Palestine.

Mouna receives the Emilie & Marian Nursing Annual Scholarship, donated by Mr. James L. Charles and Dr. Hildegard E. Charles.

Ibrahim Dawadh receives the Mrs. Suad Juffali Endowed Scholarship, donated by Mrs. Suad Husseini Juffali.

Mouna Mansour

Ibrahim Dawadh

One of the students who has continually received a scholarship throughout her study is Mouna Mansour, a 21 year old nursing student. She aspires to be a pediatric nurse and has been training in the Holy Family Hospital.

After she graduates from Bethlehem University, she is planning to continue her studies abroad to do a Master’s Degree. “I love nursing” she says. “It is not just a career it is a profession where we can provide emotional and physical care to people in need.”

Ibrahim Dawadh is a very dedicated and active second year Social Science student. His albinism has caused visual impairment but Ibrahim does not let this stand in his way.

He is very active on campus, is a hardworking student, and has recently written a book of short stories about family.

Ibrahim would love to work as a social worker, because he “would like to give back to others”. He says he has received a lot of support at Bethlehem University, inspiring him to give that to others too. One of his dreams is to travel the world, to experience freedom and different cultures.

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September 2015 – February 2015

Visitors

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Student Aya sits down for lunch with Tantur group members in the Institute of Hotel Management.

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Students Yousef, Lara, and Tamara smile while meeting visitors from the Norwich Diocese from England.

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After a memorable visit, students from the Chicago Seminary pose for a photo with several Bethlehem University students.

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Student Mira with members from Rev. Blanco Ariza’s group.

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Randa, an English student, with Fr. Robert Rosebrough’s group.

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Dr. Charlie Abu-Sahda, members of World Vision, and some students at the entrance of De La Salle Hall.

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Catholic Theological Union students and Bethlehem University students Nicola and Lara stand at the Bethlehem Hall’s rooftop.

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Visitors from the Archdiocese of Sydney speak with students during a discussion session in Furno Hall.

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Members of the Diocese of Springfield, US, near the Da La Salle Hall.

Representing the University are Br. Stephen Tuohy, Br. Joe Loewenstein, and Brother Br. Edward Phelan along with some students.

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His Excellency Francisco J. Bernales, Ambassador of Chile to Palestine, with Vice Chancellor Br. Peter Bray, Vice President of Development Br. Stephen Tuohy, and students after watching the Chilean movie Machuca together.

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Bishops from the Holy Land Coordination listen to students answering various questions about their studies and future dreams.

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Fr. Peter Vaccari, a longtime friend of Bethlehem University, is back on campus with a group from the St. Joseph Seminary.

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Vice Chancellor Br. Peter Bray with Fr. Warren J. Savage and other group members who visited with Mr. Sami El-Yousef, Regional Director of the Pontifical Mission. Also representing Bethlehem University was Vice President of Development Br. Stephen Tuohy and students.

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Development Officer Mrs. Shahinda Nassar presents an embroidered gift to Col. Chev.

Buren Riley Shields III of the Sovereign Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem.

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Guest Relations Officer Demitri Awwad welcomes visitors from the Israeli Committee Against Home Demolitions (ICAHD) to campus.

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Vice Chancellor Br. Peter Bray addresses visitors from the Catholic Theological Union, accompanied

by Fr. Donald Senior.

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Guest Relations Officer Demitri Awwad addresses a group of students from Norway (YMCA-YWCA) on campus.

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Fr. Robert Kurvers and his group members from The Netherlands listen as Mrs. Mary Morcos talks about the University Library’s Tarathuna Center for Palestinian Heritage.

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Fr. Paul Maddison with visitors from the Parish of March and Wisbech, UK, at the Bethlehem Hall rooftop with students Mira and Munir.

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Student Yousef and visitors from the Diocese of Springfield, US, enjoy a lovely meal at the Institute of Hotel Management.

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Mr. Robert Sime brought a pilgrimage group from Canada whose visit included a tour and a meeting with students.

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Student Tamara enjoys a meal at the Institute of Hotel Management with Mr. Johannes Zang’s group.

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Students and members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher Jerusalem from Queensland, Australia near the library building for a photo just before departure.

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Student Nicola and two students from the Institute of Hotel Management smile for a photo with members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher Jerusalem North Western Lieutenancy.

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Visitors from the Parish of Aldeburgh in Suffolk, UK, are about to leave the University after a tour of the campus.

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A wonderful group of ladies visited the University to listen to stories from young Palestinian men and women. The group was met by students Mira, Shaden, and Buran.

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Br. Joe Loewenstein shakes hands with Fr. Garrett Edmunds, a longtime Bethlehem University friend.

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Student Celina Mukarker enjoys lunch with members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher Jerusalem - Northern Lieutenancy.

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Vice Chancellor Br. Peter Bray enjoys lunch with a group from the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher Jerusalem North Central Lieutenancy.

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Dr. Stephen Binz’ group is glad to take a photo with students just before their departure.

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Bishop Gerard Hologan and his group members from Australia visited the University for a tour and discussion with students.

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Knights and ladies from the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher Jerusalem from England having dinner at the Institute of Hotel Management.

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A group discussion between students and members of Mrs. Bridget Eacott’s group from England took place in the digital media center.

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Msgr. Ludger Bornemann, longtime friend of Bethlehem University along with students from Germany enjoy a chat with Bethlehem University students.

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Br. Joe Loewenstein gives a brief history about the University’s Chapel of the Divine Child to group members of Fr. Alex Kratz.

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Mrs. Shahinda Nassar, Development Officer, and members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher Jerusalem Middle Atlantic Lieutenancy, pose for a photo.

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Br. Stephen Tuohy, Vice President of Development, greets members of the Catholic Pictorial group from England.

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Br. Joe Loewenstein addresses group members from the English Turvey Abbey Parish.

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This group came all the way from New Zealand and they have a flag to prove it!

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Archbishop Joseph Anthony Pepe from the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher Jerusalem – Western Lieutenancy, takes a picture with students of the Institute for Hotel Management.

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Br. Neil Keiffe and a group of the Conference of Catholic Bishops have lunch at the Institute of Hotel Management.

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Members of Fr. Christopher Sarkis’ group from the Catholic Diocese of Wollongong in Australia enjoy a chat with students.

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A lively discussion between members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher Jerusalem Knights Ireland and students in Furno Hall.

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Members of Our Lady’s Parish from England smile for a photo at Bethlehem Hall’s rooftop.

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Lieutenant S.E. Dr. rer. pol. Heinrich Dickmann and his wife met with the EOHSJ-German Lieutenancy Scholarship recipients for the academic year 20142015.

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Deakin University students from Australia pose for a photo with Bethlehem University students in front of the Millennium building.

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Giving to Bethlehem University Gifts from the local and international communities can be made via check to ‘Bethlehem University’ or by bank transfer.

For more information, please contact: Advancement Office PO Box 11407 – 92248 Jerusalem Tel: +972 2 274 1242 Fax: +972 2 274 4400 sfarha@bethlehem.edu Gifts from the United States can be made via check to: ‘Bethlehem University Foundation’ a tax deductible non-profit eligible for employer matching gifts.

(Tax ID 22-3600739) For more information, please contact: Bethlehem University Foundation Until May 31st, 2015 Hecker Center 3025 Fourth St, NE, Suite 330 Washington, DC 20017-1102 Tel: 1-202-526-6097 Fax: 1-202-526-6096 dsmith@bethlehem.edu From June 1st, 2015 Bethlehem University Foundation LaSalle Hall 6001 Ammendale Road, Suite 200 Beltsville, MD 20705-1202 dsmith@bethlehem.edu To keep hope, faith, and the dreams of so many young people in Palestine alive, please consider making an immediate difference with an online contribution to Bethlehem University.

Visit www.bethlehem.edu/donate/online to make a convenient and fast online donation.

Students sell and buy Palestinian products at a Palestinian heritage day on campus, organized by the Student Senate.

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