Bethlehem University January 2006
Women’s Soccer Team Representing Palestine in West Asian Championship
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Faculty News
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Bethlehem University News Volumn 14 Issue No. 1 January 2006 Contributors Ms. Rania Abdel Nour Dr. Alfred Abed Rabbo Ms. Amal Abu Nijmeh (BU ‘86) Mr. Naji Abu Ali (BU ‘90) Dr. Sami Adwan Ms. Samar Araj Mousa Dr. Zein Al Abedeen Awawdeh Ms. Vera Baboun (BU ‘85) Mr. Maher Bandak Dr. Mellie Brodeth Br. Daniel Casey Br. Jack Curran Mr. Ihab Daqqaq (BU ‘02) Ms. Nancy Elias (BU ‘95) Ms. Maha Fatho Mr. Moin Halloun Mr. Mike Hazboun (BU ‘02) Ms. Rania Hazboun (BU ‘96) Mr. Elias Hazin (BU ‘98) Ms. Minerva Hisnat Dr. Henry Jacaman Ms. Nihad Jubran (BU ‘80) Dr. Moien Kanaan Mr. Fadi Kattan (BU ‘90) Fr. Jamal Khader Dr. Aziz Khalil Br. Joe Lowenstein Mr. Nabil Mufdi (BU ‘75) Dr. Adnan Mussallam Dr. Walid Mustafa Ms. Wa’ed Nasralla (BU ’08) Mr. Ibrahim Nuaimi (BU’ 95) Ms. Samar Qumsiyeh (BU ‘03) Mr. Mousa Rabadi (BU ‘93) Ms. Hanan. Hazboun Saca (BU ‘85) Ms. Maro Sandrouni (BU ‘80) Mr. Ra’id Shomali (BU ‘01) Mr. Francis Sleibi Br. Dominic Smith Mr. Hussam Wahhab (BU ‘84) Ms. Reem Zeitoun (BU ‘94) Dr. Saleem Zoughbi Photography Elias Al-Halabi (BU ‘07) Saher Al-Sous (BU ‘05) Dalia Kharoufeh (BU ‘06) Matthias Simnacher Design & Printing Nour Design & Print Co. We welcome your comments. Please contact us: Bethlehem University Location address: Rue de Freres Bethlehem, Palestine Mailing address: P.O.Box 11407 92248 Jerusalem Electronic address: www.bethlehem.edu info@bethlehem.edu
Friends of Bethlehem University in the United Arab Emirates Mr. Anton Kattan PO Box 7674 Abu Dhabi, UAE Tel: +971-2-634-3969 Fax: +971-2-632-5188 askanton@emirates.net.ae Friends of Bethlehem University in Ireland (FBU-I) FBU-I is an approved Charity (CHY6868) and is authorized as an eligible charity for tax rebates (1315) Rev. Raymond Staunton Hon. Secretary FBUI Marist Community Residence Chanel College Coolock, Dublin 5, Ireland rays@iol.ie Association in Favor of Bethlehem University in German Speaking Countries (ABU) Prof. Dr. Heinrich KOLLER President Nonnenweg 6 4055 Basel Switzerland heinrich.koller@bluewin.ch Br. Othmar Würth Secretariate Abbaye de Fontaine-André C.P.120 2009 Neuchâtel, Switzerland Tel: +41-32-753-5004 Fax: +41-32-753-2574 othmarwuerth@hotmail.com Friends of Bethlehem University in England and Wales Eligible for tax credit as FOBU is a registered charity. Msgr. Vladimir Felzmann All Saints Pastoral Centre London Colney, Hertfordshire Al @ 1AF England Fax: +44-1727-822880 vladimirf@compuserve.com Bethlehem University, USA Office Tax deductible and eligible for employer matching grants. Brother Jerome Sullivan, FSC US Development Office Bethlehem University PO Box 692 Lincroft, NJ 07738-0692 Phone: 908-839-9715 Fax: 732-219-1619 jerbethlehem@yahoo.com
A MESSAGE FROM THE VICE CHANCELLOR Dear Friends,
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his is my first letter to you as the Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University. As many of you know, Brother Vincent Malham, FSC, completed eight years of service as the Vice Chancellor at the end of June and I succeeded him on 1 July. Brother Vincent, after having had a brief sabbatical, was appointed President of Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tennessee on 1 December where he had served as Professor of Music and Dean of the School of Arts. We all thank Brother Vincent for his brilliant leadership of Bethlehem University since 1997 and promise him our prayerful support in this new leadership challenge. OPENING OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR Bethlehem University began its 33rd year on 25 August with the highest enrollment in its history; a record 2488 students filled the classrooms and corridors on opening day. The increase of about 250 students created some problems with available classrooms and instructors but the University administration was able to resolve matters in a few days. MASS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT The formal opening of the academic year took place on 8 September when our Patriarch, His Beatitude Michel Sabbah, offered the Mass of the Holy Spirit in the University Chapel of the Divine Child. The Patriarch graciously entered into a dialogue following the Mass in Furno Hall with faculty and students which focused on the challenges of living the vocation of a Christian in the Holy Land. CONGRATULATIONS Archbishop Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Delegate to Jerusalem and Palestine, Chancellor of Bethlehem University since 1998, who has been appointed Papal Nuncio to the United States by Pope Benedict XVI. Professor Manuel Hassassian, Executive Vice President since 1996, who was appointed Ambassador/Palestinian General Delegate to the United Kingdom. Monsignor Maroun Lahham, Rector of the Latin Patriarchate Seminary in Beit Jala and a member of the University Religious Studies Department, who was named Bishop of Tunisia in North Africa. RENOVATION OF DE LASALLE HALL The extensive renovations to our 1893 administration building, De LaSalle Hall, are at the half-way mark with a completion date of August 2006. This project is made possible by the generosity of many donors and the United States government. VISITS Since late August we have had many visits to the campus by members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, pilgrim groups, and donors; hundreds of our students are being assisted financially this year through their generosity and many others who are unable to visit the campus. THE WALL We believe that Bethlehem University is a powerful sign of hope in the face of THE WALL that surrounds Bethlehem. Freedom of movement for our faculty and our students is no longer a right as enjoyed by the free world. Bethlehem University daily instills the hope that gentleness and graciousness are ultimately more powerful than threats, torture, and guns. Human sin and power notwithstanding—justice, peace, love and harmony will, eventually, become a reality. On behalf of our faculty, staff and students I thank each of you for helping to nurture this hope.
Brother Daniel Casey, FSC Vice Chancellor
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Dean’s Reflection
Faculty of Arts Exploring Prospects of Modernism and Post-Modernism Palestinian-German Intellectual Cooperation
The Faculty of Arts enhances the University’s traditions and values by encouraging communication and exchange between teachers and students of all cultures and backgrounds in a free academic environment with an atmosphere of respect for all. With encouragement to develop their research capacities, the faculty focus on strengthening the academic as well as social and cultural offerings of the University. As the curriculum of the Faculty of Arts is regularly evaluated, we strive to instill analytical-critical thinking while developing life-long learning and technological appetites among our students in order to more effectively meet the needs of our society. The collaborative assistance of an ever widening network of international scholars continues to be of great support and encouragement to the Faculty of Arts.
Building on nine years of a variety of faculty and student exchanges, the first joint academic conference between Bethlehem University and the Catholic University of Applied Sciences (Katholische Fachhochshule Nordrhein-Westfalen), Köln, Germany, was held in September 2005 on Modernism and Post-Modernism: North-South Interaction, Reinterpretation, and Future Prospects. The film Walling In, Walling Out produced by Mr. Hanna Musleh of Bethlehem University’s Humanities Department provided the contextual introduction to address the role of education relative to the challenges of religion and secularization, nationalism, heritage and identity. Brother Fergus McArdle, Dr. Walid Mustafa, Prof. Dr. Angelika Schmidt-Koddernberg, and Prof. Dr. Heinz Theisen headed up the joint coordinating committee. Strengthening Christian Religious Education in the Holy Land During 2005-2006 Bethlehem University inaugurated a post-graduate
Dr. Walid Mustafa, a graduate of University of Kiev - Ukraine with his post-graduate work focusing on historical and political geography in Palestine, joined the Bethlehem University Faculty in 1996. He lives in Bethlehem and is in his second year as the Dean of the Faculty.
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Teaching Diploma of Christian Religious Education involving the Religious Studies Department in collaboration with the Faculty of Education. Under the leadership of Father Jamal Khader, the Cardinal Hume-Cardinal de Furstenberg Chair of Religious Studies, the curriculum for this highly sought after academic program was recently re-designed to include theology, catechetical and contextual pedagogical courses. In September, along with Father David Neuhaus, SJ, Father Jamal presented
on Jewish-Christian Relations: The Holy Land Context at the Nostra Aetate Today International Conference at the Gregorian University, Rome.
Dean’s Reflection Faculty of Business
Administration Art and Research Tools for Inspiring Student Learning
An important step in the development of the Faculty of Business was the Fall 2005 introduction of the first masters program through the generous funding of the Italian Conference of the Catholic Church (CEI), the Italian NGO VIS (International Volunteering for Development - Rome), and the Tempus/MEDA program of the European Commission. MICAD is being offered with the support of and cooperation with prestigious European universities: the University of Pavia, Italy; Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands; and University College Dublin, Ireland. Another remarkable development for Bethlehem University, in cooperation with Bir-Zeit University and An-najah University in Palestine and a consortium of European universities, is the establishment of a Center for Advanced Studies and Research in the field of International Cooperation and Development.
Mr. Fadi Kattan joined the Bethlehem University Faculty in 1992. He is a 1990 graduate of Bethlehem University, having previously attended Frères School in Bethlehem. Fadi is completing his doctoral studies at Bradford University in the UK with a focus on Management Accounting. He lives in Bethlehem and is in his third year as the Dean of the Faculty. 5
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As they touch the hearts and minds of their students as Business Faculty members, Ms. Nadira Araj and Dr.
Usama Shahwan inspire their students and the local and international community through art and research. Using decks of playing cards to form the chronological order of UN Security Council resolutions concerning the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Nadira’s work entitled UNconditional is now part of the permanent display at Bethlehem University’s Turathuna: Palestinian Cultural Heritage Center. Usama’s research paper Assessment of the PNA Policies on the Operation of the NGOs in Palestine was presented at the Public Policy in the Middle East Conference
at the Université Paul Cézanne, Marseille, in December 2005. Inspiring Students at Bethlehem University The IIPES Experience
Mr. Ra’id Shomali (BU ‘01) of the Faculty of Business joined with journalists, human rights activists, professors, and diplomats from Greece, Serbia-Montenegro, Palestine, Israel and the United States in the 10th anniversary celebrations of the International Institute for Political and Economic Studies (IIPES) held in Greece during August 2005. As a sophomore undergraduate student at Bethlehem University in 1998, Ra’id was selected to participate in this interdisciplinary academic program. Now, as a faculty member at Bethlehem University with his MBA from Lewis University (2003), he encourages students to participate in this challenging international academic experience. Arsen Aghazarian, a senior majoring in accounting, participated in the Summer 2005 IIPES, exploring major political, economic and cultural issues of the Eastern Mediterranean region.
Dean’s Reflection
Faculty of Education International Educators’ Forum Education, Democracy, Identity and Conflict
The Faculty of Education is dedicated to meeting the needs of the Palestinian schools by providing well-prepared graduates as teachers and administrators; providing on-going professional development opportunities for current serving teachers (many of whom are our graduates); and assisting in the development of educational policies, textbooks and teaching methodologies for Palestine. The array of the Faculty’s activities demonstrate our emphasis on cooperation with local schools and the Ministry of Education as well as with academic colleagues from other Palestinian and international universities. In particular, we are most grateful for the international network of joint projects, some of which are presented here, especially in the areas of teacher training and other professional development initiatives for the members of the Faculty.
Nancy Elias (BU ’95) earned her Masters in Special Education from Lewis University (1997) and was appointed full time at the Faculty of Education at Bethlehem University in 1997. She lives in Beit Jala and is in her second year as the Dean of the Faculty.
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In July 2005, the Faculty of Education hosted a two-week Education, Democracy, Identity and Conflict Educators’ Forum, which included field visits to the Deheisheh Refugee Camp and the offices of the Temporary International Presences in Hebron (TIPH). Among the participants were faculty and students from the Faculty of Education and academic and civic leaders from the United States, Canada and Palestine. Dean Nancy Elias and Dr. Sami Adwan of the Faculty of Education and Dr. Howard Davidson of University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada, coordinated the Forum which explored the significant role of education and examined the impact of the educational disruptions upon student learning and teacher training resulting from the Israeli Occupation of Palestine. Faculty and Student Service Enriching Local Communities and Schools During March and April 2005, Dean Nancy Elias, Dr. Sami Adwan, Ms. Hiam Alawi, Mr. Omar Mousa Khalil, and Ms. Judith Musleh worked with teachers and principals of 24 schools in the Bethlehem area to define their educational concerns and priorities. Follow-up interventions in service
of the local educational community are underway as are activities of the Faculty of Education’s Community Service Course, coordinated by Mr. Ihab Daqqaq and Mr. Elias Hazin, which enable students to serve the needs of the local community regardless of gender, cultural, religious or political backgrounds. During the 21 years of the Community Service program, more than 7,000 students have provided in excess of 300,000 hours of assistance. In recent years, however, the Community Service opportunities at locations in Ramallah, Nablus, Hebron, Jericho, and Gaza Strip have not been possible due to Israeli imposed travel restrictions.
Director’s Reflection
Tourism is a tremendous means to enhance understanding and to build bridges among peoples. In Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, we have much to offer. It is often said that “tourism is our bread and butter.” And yet, with the socio-political tensions in the region, our efforts to build bridges among peoples and to support the economic livelihood of families have often been hindered. However, we are a people of hope. One of the aims of the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism is to assist students and faculty to reach international standards.
Hotel Management Palestinian-French Exchange Program French Culinary The French Consulate sponsored a French Culinary Festival, providing a French chef, Mr. G. Hamon from the Lycee Hoteliere, to Bethlehem University for a week of training. Pilgrimage, Tourism and Cultural Heritage Preserving Palestinian Culture To address the urgent need of conserving the heritage resources of Palestine, the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism in collaboration with London Metropolitan University, Joensuu University in Finland and the Center for Cultural Heritage Preservation of Bethlehem is offering a Masters degree in Pilgrimage, Tourism and Cultural Heritage program as part of the EU TEMPUS Program in Palestine.
Palestinian–Spanish Exchange Program Cultural and Language Enrichment The City Council of Mahon through the Spanish Cooperation sponsored Hotel Management students for one month of training in Menorca, Spain.
Nabil Mufdi (BU ‘75) managed a variety of hotel and catering services, including the Holiday Inn Aqaba, the Intercontinental Jerusalem, and the Pontifical Institute of Notre Dame in Jerusalem, while serving as a part-time faculty member at Bethlehem University. He became the full-time Director of the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism in 1998 and earned his MA in Tourism Management, Education and Training from the Euro-Arab Management School, Granada, Spain in 2004. 7 Bethlehem University News
Dean’s Reflection
Faculty of Nursing Palestinian–Irish Exchange Midwifery and Neonatal training to serve mothers and infants
The programs of the Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences continue to be strengthened with generous professional assistance provided through colleagues from universities and professional organizations in Palestine, Ireland, Norway, and the UK. The curricula of the emergency nursing, midwifery, neonatal nursing, occupational therapy and physiotherapy programs involve our students in community settings so as to continuously assess the needs of the society. Currently, for instance, with the assistance of the German Association for the Holy Land, the faculty is exploring possible expansion into pediatric nursing as a means of responding to the growing needs of our society. Working together, the Faculty is developing and expanding research capacity in order to enhance teaching and learning interactions. As the new semester began, the Faculty was delighted to present Jihad Khair (BU ‘05) to Mr. Adel Aburdiri for the Farideh Abu Dayyeh Prize for the highest cumulative GPA in the Nursing Department.
Maha Fatho is living in Jerusalem and is in her fourth year as the Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, having joined the Faculty in 1991. Maha is a graduate of Al Quds University where she also earned her Masters in Nursing. Her professional and research interests are in midwifery and women’s issues.
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In June 2005, four Bethlehem University Nursing students studying neonatal and midwifery performed their practical training at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin, Ireland, with funding from Development Cooperation Ireland. Ms Françoise Daoud and Ms. Amal Abu Nijmeh, of the Faculty organized this professional development exchange program with Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem and the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin and are exploring possible future exchanges and professional development opportunities so as to better serve the Palestinian people.
Outreach Workshops Provide Professional Development Cardiac Life Support and Child Health Care With the cooperation of Care International and the support of the American Heart Association and Johns Hopkins University (USA), Mr. Naji Abu Ali, Nurse Representative of the Palestinian Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Trainers Society, offered ACLS theoretical and clinical professional development
training courses at Bethlehem University. Mr. Abu Ali and Ms. Etaf Maqboul coordinated two ACLS provider courses at Al-Makassed and Al-Yamameh Hospitals for fiftyfour doctors, nurses and trainers serving in West Bank and Jerusalem hospitals, among whom were faculty, students, and graduates of Bethlehem University. Professional Development Faculty Engage the Local Community In September 2005, Ms. Hanan SacaHazboun and Ms. Françoise Daoud of the Faculty of Nursing presented workshops on obesity issues in pediatric nursing and on sudden infant death syndrome to the staff at Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem. In June 2005, with funding from the National Cancer Institute and the Middle East Cancer Consortium, Hanan was one of eleven nurses and social workers from Palestine, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, Jordan, and Cyprus who participated in a training course in Washington, D.C. on Education in Palliative and End-of-Life CareOncology (EPC-O).
Dean’s Reflection
The future? The Faculty of Science is committed to providing the very best of state-of-the-art science education, maintaining high standards with the best qualified faculty and staff, ensuring that our graduates have access to a wide array of career and graduate education opportunities, and modernizing our science facilities. As an example witness the current renovation of the Science Wing of De La Salle Hall, including the student laboratories and research facilities. While focusing on undergraduate education, we must also strengthen our graduate education initiatives, building links with international partners and effectively using technology. As a faculty, we must adapt our present educational approaches to provide not only the depth but also the breadth of knowledge needed by today’s university graduates. In all of this, quality scholarship and learning remain our fundamental foci. We must ensure that the academic experience is superb for our students and faculty alike.
Dr Moein Kanaan lives in Jerusalem and is in his first year as the Dean of the Faculty of Science. He joined the faculty in 1979 and earned his PhD from Ohio State University in 1992. He completed post doctoral studies at the University of Washington, Seattle in 1999. Among Moein’s research interests are the genetic basis of hearing loss, skin abnormalities, and the molecular modifiers of Bethlehem phenotype in the 9anemic University News Palestinian population.
Faculty of Science
Technology: Information and Processing Faculty Initiatives Advancing Teaching and Learning Scholarship Dr. Saleem Zougbi, Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems, published Fundamentals of Computer Organization and Operation (2005) as an undergraduate textbook. Dr. Muna Matar of the Computer Information Systems program participated in the Leadership in eLearning video conferencing forum, Ramallah, Jerusalem, Manchester, UK, and Gaza Strip. Dr. Henry Jacaman, Professor of Physics, developed a computer vision program for the detection and tracking of the process by which living cells take nutrients from surrounding medium. Thanks to funding from the Congregation for Oriental Churches in Rome, the
new Computer Information Systems student lab will include IBM and Sun servers designed to conduct researchoriented learning opportunities for students and faculty.
Water: A Priority Area The University remains committed to research and education in addressing water quality and availability, as well as management and use. With funding from Development Cooperation Ireland, Br. David Scarpa, FSC, PhD, Dr. Alfred Abed Rabbo, Ms. Reem Zeitoun, and Ms. Samar Qumsieh conducted research to develop public awareness initiatives concerning problems of water supply for the Palestinian population of the southern West Bank.
Happenings Faculty Member Appointed Bishop by the Pope
Monsignor Maroun Lahham, a faculty member at Bethlehem University since 1996 and Rector of the Latin Patriarchate Seminary in Beit Jala, was appointed Bishop of Tunis on 8 September 2005 by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Within days of his ordination as Bishop by Patriarch Michel Sabbah, our new Bishop Maroun Lahham celebrated the noon Mass at Bethlehem University on the Feast of the Holy Rosary.
Palestinian Foreign Service Reform Served by Bethlehem University Among the new professional diplomatic corps for Palestine as of October 2005 are Professor
Hassassian is now the Ambassador/ Palestinian General Delegate to the United Kingdom and Mr. Safieh, who previously served as Ambassador/Palestinian General Delegate to the United Kingdom and the Vatican, is now the Ambassador/Palestinian General Delegate to the United States of America. Interestingly, besides their tremendous leadership and service to the Palestinian people in general and their significant involvement in the administration and development of Bethlehem University, both
Brother Joe teaches first year students in the Intensive English Language program, visits alumni and students, assists in hosting pilgrim groups and with writing funding proposals. In short, he is a brother, mentor, and friend to thousands of Palestinians and expatriots alike. Ad Multos Annos, Brother Joe! Manuel and Afif were born in Jerusalem and educated at the Lasallian secondary school, College des Frères. Ambassador Hassassian served at Bethlehem University for 25 years as a dynamic professor of political science, frequent publisher of scholarly work, and gifted administrator. Ambassador Safieh previously served as the PLO Representative to the Netherlands.
Eighty Years for Those Who are Strong!
Manuel Hassassian, Executive Vice President of Bethlehem University, and Mr. Afif Safieh, member of the Bethlehem University International Board of Regents. Professor 10
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of service in the States and at the Pontifical Mission for Palestine in Jerusalem, he has 24 years of service at Bethlehem University. Currently
Born in the borough of Queens, New York in 1925, Brother Joe celebrated his 80th birthday on 25 October 2005 at Bethlehem University. Brother Joe is a former President and Dean of the Education Faculty. Brother Joe first came to Bethlehem University in January 1975, and with a few years
In Thanksgiving for Marguerita Wilhelmina Benson On 12 September 2005, Mrs. Rita Benson, the dear wife of Mr. Robert Benson, passed into eternal life. Robert and Rita have been devoted and energetic friends of the Holy Land and of Bethlehem University. Robert serves on the International Board of Regents of Bethlehem University, is the Founder and Chair of the Friends of Bethlehem
V isitors
University in England and Wales, and a member of the Grand Magisterium as a Knight Commander Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of The Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. The University community offered Mass on 27 September for the repose of Rita’s soul and the comfort of Robert and his family.
Archbishop Pietro Sambi On 17 December 2005, Archbishop Sambi was appointed Papal Nuncio to the United States by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. In addition to being the Chancellor of Bethlehem University since 1998, Archbishop Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic Delegate in Jerusalem and Palestine and the Apostolic Nuncio in Israel and Cyprus, was involved in the founding of the University in 1973 as he was then the Secretary to the then Apostolic Delegate Pio Laghi. “Archbishop Sambi has been a good friend and strong advocate of the University,” said Brother Daniel, Vice Chancellor. “We will miss him.” Born in Sogliano sul Rubicone, Italy, Archbishop Sambi
was incardinated in the Diocese of San Marino-Montefeltro and ordained a priest in March 1964 and began his service in the Diplomatic Corps of the Holy See in April 1969 in Cameroon, with later assignments to Cuba, Algeria, Nicaragua, Belgium, India, and Burundi. No successor has been named by the Holy Father at this time.
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De La Salle High School, Minneapolis, MN, USA 18 August Ms Margaret Hodapp, Vice President for Lasallian Mission, and students from De La Salle, MN prayed the rosary for peace and justice while walking along the Separation Wall in Bethlehem.
V isitors
Equestrian OrderHolland 28 September Fr. Guido Gockel, Mrs. Ivonne van de Ven, Mr. Mauritus van Bouwdijk Bastiaanse, and 22 university-aged students from Holland (children of EHOSJ members) visited Campus and students.
Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, USA 12 October Sister Barbara Blesse, OP, led a group of seminarians, clergy and women religious from Nigeria, Australia, Canada and the USA to visit Bethlehem University.
Equestrian OrderIreland 17 October
Mr. Peter Durnin and a group of 48 pilgrims visited Bethlehem University.
Equestrian OrderGermany 28 October
Bethlehem University’s German speaking students, faculty and staff welcomed 25 pilgrims from Germany.
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Equestrian OrderEngland and Wales 31 October Mr. Gerard Waddingham with 45 pilgrims under the leadership of Lt. Michael Whelan visited the students sponsored by their endowed scholarship.
Equestrian OrderUSA Northwestern 2 November
Lt. John McGuckin and 25 pilgrims visited the students they sponsor with their endowed scholarships in honor of Archbishop Levada and Msgr. Merson.
Equestrian OrderUSA Western 3 November
Bishop George Neiderauer of Salt Lake City, Utah, visited Bethlehem University with 41 pilgrims from Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and California.
Mayor of San Miniato, Italy 7 November
Vice Chancellor Brother Daniel Casey and the Mayor of San Miniato, Italy, Mr. Angelo Frosini, exchanged gifts during the Mayor’s visit.
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V isitors
Equestrian OrderScotland 22 November
Lt. and Mrs. Lunny enjoyed lunch at Bethlehem University Hotel Management Institute.
Chicago Area Clergy 1 December
Mr. Tom Wirtel and Fr. Ron Lewinski led a group of priests and deacons from the Chicago area on their first visit to Bethlehem University and the Holy Land.
Springfield Diocese in Illinois 5 December
Sue and Jim Morris, long time friends of Bethlehem University, led a group of 34 pilgrims including Bishop George Lucas of Springfield, Illinois on his first visit to the Holy Land.
President of Georgetown University 17 December
Dr. John DeGioia, visited with Br. Daniel Casey and explored collaboration opportunities.
Thank you for your generosity 16 May – 16 December 2005 Founders Club ($50,000+) † Anonymous Custody of the Holy Land Erzbistum Koln Deutscher Verein vom Heiligen Lande Volontariato Internazionale Per Lo Sviluppo Trustees Club ($25,000+) † Bethlehem University Board of Trustees Diocese of Joliet, Bishop Joseph Imesch ∞*** EOHSJ-USA Northwestern Lieutenancy ∞**EOHSJ-USA Northwestern Lieutenancy **EOHSJ-USA Northwestern Lieutenancy † EOHSJ-USA Northwestern Lieutenancy † Kassis Family, in honor of their Uncle Juan Kassis Sabag Kinderhilfe Bethlehem Schmidt Family Foundation Chairman’s Club ($10,000+) John Albina Bethlehem Association Scholarship Fund † The Schmitt Family Foundation in loving memory of John Joseph, their son and brother † Dr. Edward Hazboun and Family † EOHSJ-USA Northwestern Lieutenancy with thanks to Kenneth, Theresa and Colin Willett Bethlehem Foundation Casey Family † De La Salle Brothers, Ireland ‡ EOHSJ-England and Wales ∞**** Ladah Foundation † La Salle Provincialate, NY District ** Mr and Mrs John Linsenmeyer Lynch Foundation Order of Malta, Ireland Charles Maria L’Oeuvre d’ Orient Palestine Communications Group Chancellor’s Club ($5,000+) Arab Palestine Investment Company Belgian Technical Cooperation Mr Jose Eduardo Siman Consolidated Contractor’s Company Dominican Sisters International EOHSJ-Germany Friends of Bethlehem University in the Holy Land Justice and Peace Group of Our Lady and St John the Evangelist Parish, UK Latin Patriarchate, Jerusalem ∞***** Orscheln Industries Foundation, Donald Orscheln, EOHSJ-USA Northern Lieutenancy St Catherine’s Parish, Bethlehem Mr and Mrs William Voss Rev Fr Ray Webb Vice Chancellor’s Club ($1,000+) Justice and Peace Group at Our Lady and St. John the Evangelist Parish Altushkin Foundation of Christian Orthodox Charity Anonymous Arab American Ladies League Beit Emmaus-Qubeibeh Catholic Travel Agency Pilgrims Dr Frederic Gannon Caritas Jerusalem Catholic Near East Welfare Association, NY Christian Brothers, Baltimore Province † Betsy and Michael Earthman Barron Eyraud Caritas-Jerusalem Fr Mario DiCicco Scholarship Fund Elham Farah
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EOHSJ-Ireland French Consulate Fr William Galvin, in honor of Br Cyril Litecky Mr and Mrs Walter Greinert † John Herrick Mr and Mrs Frank Jungers Latin Patriarchate School † Geraldine Lawhon Br Richard Lemberg, FSC Dr Ann Lesch † McArdle Family, Dundalk, Ireland Mary and John McErlean, in honor of Br Alvaro Rodriguez, FSC Thomas Mailhot Moley Family Foundation Nestle Trading Co Ltd Parrocchia S Antonino, Concesio, Brescia Pontifical Mission for Palestine, Jerusalem PricewaterhouseCoopers, Jerusalem Rotary Club Valle del Rubicone, Italy Shepherds Tours amd Travel, Habib Khoury St Simon’s Parish John and Nan Steger † Stella Maris Parish, Sullivan’s Island, SC Swedish Organization for Individual Relief Transjordan Engineering Company Trish Tolbert, in honor of Br Vincent Malham, FSC Trust International Insurance Company Rev Stephen Walker Special Friends ($500+) Bishop George Lucas, Springfield Diocese Rima Abraham, in honor of Anton Kattan Norma and Tasso Bandak, for Jamileh Bandak Scholarship Rev Fr Shawki Baterian Experience Travel Tours, UK First United Methodist Church James and Margaret Frane The General Union of Palestinian Women Mike Giacaman Maha Habiba and Family, in honor of Anna Mr Kamal Hassouneh Mr David Kelly Mr Paul Kraus Ms Zana Lutfiyya † Mr and Mrs Stephan Mock Mr and Mrs Richard Moll, in honor of Rev Willard Jabusch Parish of Corpus Christi Hani Qaddumi Foundation Society of Palestinian Women’s Committee Charles and Dolly Sullivan J Paul and Yvonne Thaxton Br Joseph Ventura, FSC Century Club ($100+) Br Marvin Becker, FSC Sr Barbara Blesse, OP ++ Elias and Fanny Botto Guy Butterworth Patrick Casey Dr Frank Cave Mrs Maura Chandler Br Carl Clayton, FSC Dr and Mrs James Coady Don Massimo D’Abrosca Prof David Depew, in honor of Br Paul Figueroa, FSC Joseph M Derham Elisabeth Dilas ∞** EOHSJ-USA Northwestern Lieutenancy Anthony Fasano Prof Mark Golden Br John Guasconi, FSC
Larry and Mary Hansen, in honor of Br Jerome Sullivan, FSC Mr and Mrs Joseph Hosack, Jr Rev Willard Jabusch ++Mr and Mrs Andrew Jezycki Matthew and Janna Keene Br Bernard Knezich, FSC Mr Vincent Laubach Br Livinus Lalor, FSC Br Vincent Malham, FSC Dr George Metrey Mr and Mrs André Miquel Msgr PJ Molloy Rev John Morris, O.P. Sue and Jim Morris St Patrick Community, in honor of Br Vincent Malham, FSC Br John Patzwall, FSC Matthew Pico Walter Reed, in honor of Linda Reed Fr Christian Rutishauser, SJ Irene and John Sinfield Br Jerome Sullivan, FSC Parish of Saint Thomas More, Canon John Short Patrick White and Pauline Smetka John Wilson, Jr, in honor of Sr Stephanie Wilson Silver Anniversary ($25+) Thomas Allardice Christine Brawley-Martin Tony and Marie Brear Bernadine Carpenter Br Mark Creevey Jen and Mel Desembrana Albert Doumar Barry and Angela Fairweather Mrs Barbara Ferrigno, in memory of Michael Ferrigno Marie Gould Br Mark Gubbels, FSC, in honor of Br Vincent’s 50 years service to God Mr and Mrs Hugh Monahan, in honor of Sheila Jamison Rev Fr Gerry Kane Mrs Rosette Mansour Br William Martin, FSC Patricia L Morrison, in honor of James and Marie Morrison Prof Carolyn Osiek, RSCJ ∞+ John and Nancy Pielemeier Joyce Ruhaak
++ Madeleine and Shedhedeh Botto Endowed Scholarship Fund ‡ Cardinal Hume and Cardinal De Furstenberg Endowed Chair of Religious Studies ∞+ Jan and Gordan Forbes Endowed Scholarship Fund ∞* Edward Cardinal Egan Endowed Scholarship Fund ∞** Monsignor Thomas Merson Endowed Scholarship Fund ∞*** Archbishop William Levada Endowed Scholarship ∞**** Ladah Foundation Endowed Scholarship Fund ∞***** Sir Alfred J Blasco Endowed Scholarship Fund ** Sir James Miscoll Scholarship Fund † Strengthening Our Foundation, De La Salle Hall Renovation Project
Director’s Reflection
Institute for Community Partnership Commitment to Children Training for Cancer and Diabetes Care
Bethlehem University’s commitment to promoting lifelong learning is a commitment to developing positive social and professional change in Palestine. The Institute for Community Partnership (ICP) offers a wide variety of life-long learning opportunities. Each year more than 1,300 people – housewives, business professionals, municipal employees, high school children, currently unemployed merchants, NGO staff, persons from villages, towns, cities and refugee camps – enroll in one or more courses or professional development workshops to update their knowledge and skills. We are most grateful for the support from NGOs and private individuals which enables us to serve these adults as well as children. With educational opportunities, particularly focused on the traditionally under-represented populations, we are fostering the enrichment of our democratic society and the development of public policy based on values and ethics. In recent years outreach services have grown considerably and so has our physical space, thanks to tremendous financial support from friends of Bethlehem University.
Moussa Rabadi (BU ‘93) joined Bethlehem University as a part-time instructor in the Faculty of Business Administration in 1999 and began serving as the fulltime Director of the ICP in 2004. 16 Bethlehem University News
With funding from Development Cooperation Ireland, leadership skills training to support novice volunteers working with children with cancer is among the pioneering projects provided through the University’s Institute for Community Partnership (ICP). The Konrad Adenauer Foundation supported the Faculty of Nursing and German Diabetologist, Dr. Gotthard Friedrich, in upgrading skills for health workers, nurses and doctors treating children with diabetes. Unlocking the Potential of Public Sector Management, Media, Foreign Languages and Technology
The Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Development Cooperation Ireland, and the Palestinian Economic Council for Development and Reconstruction, provide funding support for the Public Sector Project designed to build the capability of current and future public sector employees and to maintain the sector as an attractive employer. More than two hundred fifty participants
from various levels of the public sector participated over the past eleven months in leadership, management, computer applications, media and language courses. Dr. Hind Salman, Eman Hadweh, Dr. Aziz Khalil, Dr. Hanna Tushieh, Ibrahim Nuaimi (BU ‘95), Samar Ghattas and Wasim Zoughbi (BU ‘98) of the Bethlehem University faculty and staff are among the course instructors.
Director’s Reflection
Of primary concern for an academic library is the need to provide faculty and students with access to the ever-expanding world of up-to-date academic resources in print and electronic formats. With the generous support of University donors, the Bethlehem University Library recently took a significant step forward with the addition of electronic journal databases, new computer workstations for students and faculty, new texts and journals, as well as the installation of a new English-Arabic language electronic library management system (LibSys.net by Noursoft Software Development of Ramallah) which integrates the various aspects of acquisitions, cataloging, circulation, and an online public access catalog. The Library staff is working with faculty and students to increase their awareness of the potential uses of these tremendously enhanced academic resources so as to strengthen the academic programs, research initiatives, and achievements of the University.
Brother Dominic Smith joined Bethlehem University in August 1997 as the Director of the Library. He previously served as a French language teacher and library director in various Lasallian schools in Pennsylvania.
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Bethlehem University
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Library Electronic Resources Expanding Horizons The Academy for Educational Development (AED) supports a one year subscription to EBSCO Academic Search Premier electronic journals database, providing enhanced access to academic journals on business, education, health, science, mathematics, nursing and allied health, and other multidisciplinary areas. These electronic databases are easily accessed through the library website. Library Staff Developing Academic Support Networks The Library staff is mastering the technical skills to operate the new library management system provided through funds from the Friends of Bethlehem University in the USA. In an effort to contribute to the building of a national library consortium capable of sustained activities with electronic resources, George Awwad, Reference Librarian and Francis Sleibi, Head of the Audio Visual Center, participated in a two day workshop in Ramallah organized by the British Council in conjunction with eIFL (Electronic Information for Libraries).
Dean’s Reflection
Assisting the students in their personal development as responsible citizens of society is the concern of the entire University community and of the staff of the Office of the Dean of Students in particular as we are cognizant of the significant role our students are and will be playing in the formation of the Palestinian society. Through a variety of cultural, athletic, and values-focused co-curricular activities which are jointly coordinated with student groups and the administration, including the democratic functioning of the Student Senate, we seek to enhance the role of student leadership at the University, encourage dialogue among the students, and strengthen the vision and self-confidence of our students.
Dr. Zein Al-Abideen Awawdeh joined the faculty as a member of the Arabic Department in 1996. He is a graduate of Qatar University with his MA from Yarmuk University, having previously attended Hebron Secondary School. Zein completed his doctoral studies in 2004 at Ein Shams University in Egypt. He was appointed Dean of Students in September 2004 and, in addition, continues to teach in the Arabic Department.
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Bethlehem University
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Dean of Students
Bethlehem University Wins Playwright Competition We Will Talk More than 30 university students from Bethlehem, Bir Zeit, An-najah and Abu Dis submitted original theatrical productions depicting their aspirations and concerns as part of the Theatre Project of the Ashtar Theater Group. In November, Bethlehem University junior English major Ala Abu Srour was awarded First Place for her play We Will Talk which was produced and directed by Mohammad Awwad (BU ‘97). Second place was awarded to Bethlehem University junior Sociology major Fatemah Hamdan.
Women’s Film Festival Exploring Social Issues Bethlehem University participated in the first SHASHAT Arab Women’s Film Festival in Palestine in cooperation with the Peace Center in Bethlehem, addressing the struggle of women in Iran and the life of Muslim communities in Britain. Rebecca Hillauer discussed the work of female Arab directors and how they cope with difficult realities to achieve their ambitions.
Director’s Reflection
The faculty and staff of the Athletics Department at Bethlehem University are dedicated to developing sport activities among our students and in the Palestinian society in general. The development and life-long maintenance of habits of general fitness play a significant role in the well-being of individuals and the society at large. Even with all the difficulties we continue to experience as we live under military occupation, the athletic and fitness activities of the students of Bethlehem University and the accomplishments of our male and female athletic teams in basketball, football, volleyball and tennis is evidence of the skills and dedication of our talented students and coaches. Among the Palestinian universities, Bethlehem University is unique in promoting women’s participation in athletics. Representing Palestine in the Western Asia Championships in Jordan in September 2005 was the Bethlehem University women’s soccer team, the first women’s team in Palestine.
Samar Araj Mousa, a graduate of Jordan University, joined the Bethlehem University Faculty of Education in 1984. She is the General Secretary of the Palestinian Tennis Association, General Secretary of the Sport Federation of Palestinian Higher Education Institutions, and the Director of the first National Women’s Football Team in Palestine. Samar is in her second year as the Director of the Athletic Department and livesBethlehem in Beit Sahour with her 19 University News husband and four children.
Athletics Enhancing Participation Opportunities for Women in Athletics
De La Salle Hall Reno In January 2005, Bethlehem University announced the re-naming and transformational renovation of our 1893 original building as De La Salle Hall. With a base grant from the Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad (ASHA), the University embarked on this project to ensure another century of quality educational service to the people of the Holy Land. Many individuals and organizations generously responded to assist the University in meeting its financial obligations of the project.
Thank you for your support!
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RENOVATION AREA
SPONSOR
AMOUNT
INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP CLASSROOM SUITES AND LANDSCAPING
FRIENDS OF BETHLEHEM UNIVERSITY IN RECOGNITION OF THE COMMITMENT OF THE DE LA SALLE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS TO BETHLEHEM UNIVERSITY
$150,000
DE LA SALLE HALL MAIN ENTRANCE FOYER
BETHLEHEM UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
$30,000
EXECUTIVE BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM
JORGE, GISSELLE, JENNY, MARIA DE LOS ANGELES, SORAYA AND ELIZABETH KASSIS IN LOVING MEMORY OF THEIR UNCLE MR. JUAN K ASSIS SABAG
$30,000
FINANCE OFFICE
FRIENDS OF BETHLEHEM UNIVERSITY IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
$30,000
STUDENT COMPUTER LABORATORY
DE LA SALLE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS, MIDWEST PROVINCE *
$30,000
DE LA SALLE HALL CLASSROOM 110
MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM DOTY
$15,000
EXECUTIVE OFFICE COMPLEX
CASEY FAMILY IN MEMORY OF JOHN, MARY AND RICHARD CASEY
$15,000
UNIVERSITY CAMPUS CORNER COFFEE SHOP
EOHSJ-USA NORTHWESTERN LIEUTENANCY
$15,000
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS OFFICE
DE LA SALLE BROTHERS, IRELAND
$10,000
CHAPEL VESTIBULE AND ENTRANCE FOYER
DR. EDWARD ANTON HAZBOUN AND FAMILY
$10,000
DE LA SALLE HALL CLASSROOM 111
MR. AND MRS. VINCENT SHAW
$10,000
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
DE LA SALLE CHRISTIAN BROTHERS, NEW YORK
$10,000
REGISTRAR’S OFFICE
DE LA SALLE BROTHERS, IRELAND
$10,000
UNIVERSITY GIFT SHOP AND STUDENT BOOKSTORE
THE SCHMITT FAMILY FOUNDATION IN LOVING MEMORY OF JOHN JOSEPH, THEIR SON AND BROTHER
$10,000
STUDENT SEMINAR ROOM
MR. AND MRS. JACK CURRAN, IN LOVING MEMORY OF MR. AND MRS. JOHN P CURRAN, MR. AND MRS. FRANK RYAN, AND MR. FRANK HARRINGTON
$5,000
Bethlehem University
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ovation Sponsorships Strengthening Our Foundation * Special thanks to the following De La Salle Christian Brothers and Communities of the Midwest District who together and by association joined with Brother Frank Carr, Provincial, in supporting the De La Salle Christian Brothers of the Midwest District sponsorship of the Student Computer Laboratory in De La Salle Hall: CBC Ballas Lane Community, St Louis, MO Casa Benedicta Community, Racine, WI Christian Brothers High School Community, Memphis, TN Christian Brothers Community, Cretin-Derham Hall, St Paul, MN Christian Brothers Community, De La Salle, Minneapolis, MN Brother Michael Fugger, FSC Bishop Kelley Community, Tulsa OK Christian Brothers at Lambert Hall, Memphis, TN La Salle Community, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL
Gold Benefactors $2,000 each
Silver Benefactors $1,000 each
De La Salle Brothers, Ireland
Ms. Mary Guthrie, Ireland
De La Salle Brothers, Central Catholic Community, Pittsburgh, USA in honor of Brother Dominic Smith, FSC
John M. McGowan, II, USA
Teresian Association, Holy Land in honor of St. Pedro Poveda Brothers of the Christian Schools, Baltimore Province, USA Br. James Gaffney, FSC, President, Lewis University, USA Betsy and Michael Earthman, USA Geraldine Lawhon, USA Stella Maris Parish, Sullivan’s Island, SC, USA McArdle Family, Dundalk, Ireland
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La Salle Institute Community, Wildwood, MO Brother Arnold McMullen, FSC Miguel House Community, St Paul, MN O’Hara Community, Kansas City, MO Provincialate Community, Chicago, IL Roncalli Community, Manitowoc, WI St Patrick Community, Chicago, IL St Yon Community, Winona, MN CBC Vaugirard Community, St Louis, MO Villa Park Community, Villa Park, IL
Bethlehem University
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Christian Brothers at Lambert Hall, Christian Brothers University, USA John D. Herrick, USA
Bronze Benefactors $500 each Mrs. Paul Ceasar, USA Br. Benedict Oliver, FSC, USA Manhattan College Community of Christian Brothers, USA Br. Thomas Durnin, FSC, Ireland Dr. Barry Stierer, England Arab American Ladies League, USA Christian Brothers Academy Community, Lincroft, USA Br. Marvin Becker, FSC, USA Ursuline Convent, Santa Rosa, CA, USA Paul and Yvonne Thaxton, USA Mr. & Mrs. Stephan Mock, Germany
De La Salle Hall Renovation
Strengthening Our Foundation
The 1893 Frères School building became the foundation building of Bethlehem University at its establishment as the first University in the West Bank in 1973. Since 1893 this revered landmark in Bethlehem has continuously been in service to the people of the Holy Land as either an elementary school, high school, Novitiate training school for young Brothers, Provincial Canonical headquarters, or a retirement infirmary for the elderly Brothers. Its hallowed halls have served Bethlehem University from its first days in 1973 as a second home for the more than 9,000 University graduates. May we invite you to help us complete the renovation of De La Salle Hall by becoming a Sponsor or Benefactor?
Thank you for your consideration of being a Sponsor and Benefactor as we embark on Phase II of the Strengthening Our Foundation renovation project. AVAILABLE AREA
SPONSORSHIP AMOUNT
• COMPUTER SYSTEMS STUDENT LABORATORY – SCIENCE WING
$40,000
• UNIVERSITY COMPUTER CENTER
$30,000
• BROTHER JOE LECTURE HALL • RESEARCH, TEACHING AND TRAINING: HEREDITARY RESEARCH LABORATORY • RESEARCH, TEACHING AND TRAINING: UNESCO BIOTECHNOLOGY EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING CENTER • RESEARCH, TEACHING AND TRAINING: WATER AND SOIL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH UNIT • STUDENT LABORATORY: BIOLOGY • STUDENT LABORATORY: INORGANIC CHEMISTRY • STUDENT LABORATORY: MICROBIOLOGY-ANATOMY • STUDENT LABORATORY: ORGANIC CHEMISTRY • STUDENT LABORATORY: PHYSICAL AND INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY • STUDENT LABORATORY: PHYSICS
$20,000 EACH
• • • • •
CLASSROOMS COUNSELING CENTER OFFICE DEAN OF SCIENCE FACULTY OFFICE DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE STUDENT SENATE OFFICE
$15,000 EACH
• • • • • • • •
DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON’S OFFICE: ARABIC DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON’S OFFICE: BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON’S OFFICE: CHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON’S OFFICE: MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON’S OFFICE: SOCIAL SCIENCES PROGRAM COORDINATOR’S OFFICE: COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS STUDENT SEMINAR ROOM UNIVERSITY GIFT SHOP AND BOOKSTORE
$10,000 EACH
Your support encourages and inspires us! 22
Bethlehem University
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Sponsorships Still Available • • • • • • • • • •
FACULTY LOUNGE FACULTY OFFICES: ARABIC FACULTY OFFICES: BIOLOGY FACULTY OFFICES: CHEMISTRY FACULTY OFFICES: COMPUTER INFORMATION SYSTEMS FACULTY OFFICES: MATHEMATICS FACULTY OFFICES: PHYSICS FACULTY OFFICES: SOCIAL SCIENCES SECRETARY’S OFFICE AND RECEPTION: ARABIC AND SOCIAL SCIENCES UNIVERSITY RECEPTION AND SWITCHBOARD
$5,000 EACH
• GOLD BENEFACTOR PANEL AT THE ENTRANCEWAY
$2,000 EACH
• SILVER BENEFACTOR PANEL AT THE ENTRANCEWAY
$1,000 EACH
• BRONZE BENEFACTOR PANEL AT THE ENTRANCEWAY
$500 EACH
Scholarship Gifts Supporting Our Students A Fully Endowed Scholarship ($25,000) provides funds to support one student’s tuition expenses each year in perpetuity. A Fully Endowed Scholarship Fund (beginning with a $10,000 gift) provides a proportionate amount of funds to support student tuition expenses each year in perpetuity. An annual gift of $3,000 provides a scholarship for one student for one year. For more information about establishing an Endowed Scholarship, an Endowed Scholarship Fund, or an Annual Scholarship in memory or honor of someone, please contact Brother Jack Curran at the Development Office at Bethlehem University or the international representative in your area. Thanks to the following Friends of Bethlehem University in the Holy Land who donated funds for 21 Scholarships for the 2006-2007 academic year as part of their December 2005 Christmas Benefit Dinner held in Jerusalem (** donated two scholarships, *** donated 8 scholarships). • AED, Elaine Strite • Anonymous, in Memory of Fuad and Hermine Hanna ** • Anonymous, in Honor of Sir John and Lady Anne Hodgson • ANERA, Dr Thomas Neu ** • Catholic Relief Services, Tom Garofalo • Dr Raja’i Dajani of the BU Board of Trustees, in honor of his Mother, Dr Nahil Habboub Dajani, and his Father, Dr Mahmud T Dajani **
• • • • • •
Fr Mario DiCicco, OFM and Friends *** Sani Meo, This Week in Palestine-Turbo Design PYALARA, Ms Hania Bitar (BU ‘92) PricewaterhouseCoopers, Daher, Orfaly and Sa’di Elaine Strite and John Viste Yvette and Mazen Qupty
For more information about establishing a Scholarship or becoming a Sponsor for the Renovation Project, please contact: Bethlehem University in the Holy Land Brother Jack Curran, FSC, PhD Vice President for Development PO Box 11407 92248 Jerusalem Office: 972-2-274-1241 Fax: 972-2-274-4440 jcurran@bethlehem.edu
Bethlehem University, USA Office Tax deductible and eligible for employer matching grants. Brother Jerome Sullivan, FSC US Development Office Bethlehem University PO Box 692 Lincroft, NJ 07738-0692 Phone: 908-839-9715 Fax: 732-219-1619 jerbethlehem@yahoo.com
“I have great admiration for the people of Gaza”
Pre-Christmas Trip to Gaza
E
very other Wednesday, Brother Joe joins with Sister Susan, a Daughter of Charity, and travels to Gaza to offer support to the Little Sisters of the Poor, the Missionary Sisters of Charity, and to some of the 235 graduates of Bethlehem University in Gaza. Due to the travel restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities, the number of Bethlehem University graduates from Gaza has significantly declined from a high of 26 graduates in 1996 to only one or two graduates each year since the year 2000. From September 2003 and up to the present time, the University has been unsuccessful in securing permission from the Israeli authorities for 10 students to come to study at Bethlehem University (see http: //www.bethlehem.edu/archives/2005/2005_076.shtml). On Wednesday, 7 December, Brother Joe and Sister Susan met at Sister’s Convent in Ein Karem just outside of Jerusalem at 6:45am. They knew that the Eretz checkpoint at the north of Gaza was closed for Palestinians, but they were unsure of its status on that day for foreigners, so they waited. At about 8:15 the affirmative answer came and they headed to Gaza. While visiting the 25 families in the Christian community in Beach Camp, the third largest of the 8 refugee camps established in 1948, Brother Joe and Sister Susan learned that a few days earlier the Israeli military once again began using sonic booms and machine gun firing in the air all through the night and early morning. “This, of course, really frightens the children,” reflects Brother Joe. “There is a great deal of hunger in Gaza these days and malnutrition among the children is widespread. What the people find to eat are things that would not be eaten by us. Child deaths are common, but outsiders are unaware of this as it doesn’t seem to be newsworthy.” Brother Joe and Sister Susan do very little walking while in Gaza. They drive to the nursery schools, convents, and family homes that they visit. “When we do walk, we are always accompanied by a graduate of the University, often without comment. They just come.” On 7 December, Brother Joe and Sister Susan walked along one of the three short alleys of the Christian community in Beach Camp to visit the Little Sisters of the Poor. Ghada Boulos Swailien (BU ‘98), a social
worker and religious education teacher in Gaza, came to the Convent to bring Brother Joe and Sister Susan to her home. She also accompanied them to the car when they left. During their visit two weeks earlier, they experienced an atmosphere of excitement and hope in Gaza. “The people were delighted with Eretz being open and many hundreds of Gazans being allowed to go to work to earn money for their families,” reports Brother Joe. Yesterday, however, he experienced a terrible feeling in the air. “The people are now suffering tremendously because the Israeli authorities closed the Gaza checkpoint to all Palestinians in retaliation for the terrible bombing in Netanya on Monday, even though this violence was perpetrated by an Arab from Tulkarem, about 100 kilometers away from the Gaza Strip. It seems that whenever there is a suicide bombing in the West Bank, retaliation occurs indiscriminately in the form of collective punishment on the people of Gaza – men, women and children alike.” Such collective punishment is contrary to the Geneva Convention: “Civilians must not be punished for offenses that they personally did not commit. Collective penalties, intimidation and penalties against civilian populations are prohibited” (Convention IV, Art. 33). The people of Gaza are also frightened by some of the Palestinian extremists. “Warlords” abound, tensions and stress is extremely high and sporadic fights between families erupt. Unfortunately, many people say that there is no sign of agreement or a unity developing among the people and that there is no law and order. Anarchy seems to be growing. The behavior of the diplomatic corps is illustrative of this social deterioration. “As we were driving to the Palestinian side of the checkpoint, we noticed a van of several French diplomats, preceded and followed by police cars filled with armed men. Likewise, while we were waiting for clearance to pass to the Israeli side, a van of Swiss diplomats arrived, preceded and followed by vans with many men not in uniforms but armed with weapons,” reports Brother Joe. “During our visits to Gaza, I must say that I have no worry about my personal safety. I do, however, worry about and pray for the people of Gaza,” concludes Brother Joe.