bethlehem university news, fall 2003

Bethlehem University News

Summer - Fall 2003

STRATEGIC PLANNING

TEACHING

COMMUNITY SERVICE

RESEARCH

From Vision To Implementatio

n

Str

ateg

ic Planning Development Process

1997-2003

2 Bethlehem University News | Summer - Fall 2003

Dear Friends,

In this issue of Bethlehem University News we are proud to highlight some ofthe accomplishments of Strategic Planning. As noteworthy as are these results, whatwe have learned during these past six years is, we believe, equally valuable. Throughoutthe challenging adventure of Strategic Planning we have come to realize that if aninstitution and its people are to be dynamic and relevant, it must be a reflectivecommunity, always in process of discerning its strengths and weaknesses, of dreamingabout and envisaging what it wishes to become.

The painful, gripping story of Muna Matar on the back cover of this issue is, in a very real sense, the storyof Strategic Planning at Bethlehem University. Muna was absolutely heroic in her response to a situation overwhich she had no control: the unexpected death of her mother and the repeated obstacles, delays, frustrations atevery turn in her efforts to return to Belgium. But she persevered and succeeded.

Like Muna, we also have persevered. Our university community, despite repeated interruptions, obstaclesand frustrations, has continued Strategic Planning and the challenges such a process demands even in the best oftimes. Through hard work, commitment and determination, we have brought to completion many of the initiativesidentified in the Implementation Phase of the Process, some of which are featured in this issue of the BUN. Weare addressing many others this Spring, especially those in the strategic areas of review of academic programsand quality assurance in all areas of the University. And we fully plan to continue this process of reflectiverenewal as an indispensable part of the modus operandi of our institution.

As we at Bethlehem University approach our 30th Anniversary, we do so with a sense of greater realismof our strengths and weaknesses, and of deeper appreciation for the privileged educational service we offer ourcountry. We also commit ourselves to try to do even better. We are grateful to Strategic Planning for teachingus many lessons, most importantly that real education does not lie in amassing information but rather in increasingknowledge and in changing attitudes and behavior.

Calendar of Events/Presentations of Brother Vincent

April 23 Serra Club, St. Louis, MOApril 24 Benefit Concert, Memphis, TNApril 25-27 Equestrian Order Investiture

Miami, FLJune 16-18 Euro-Arab Universities Cooperation Conf.

Beirut, LebanonJune 25-28 ROACO, Regents Meetings

Rome, ItalyAug. 3-6 Midwest District Congress

Romeoville, ILAug. 7-10 Bethlehem Association Convention

San Diego, CA

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT-VICE CHANCELLOR

3Bethlehem University News | Summer - Fall 2003

STRATEGIC PLANNING & ACADEMIC LIFE

Strategic PlanningThe Strategic Planning Process which began in 1997 will come to a conclusion in 2003. The many workshopsand discussions held to meet the challenges identified throughout the Process have brought about a new way ofseeing and thinking about problems, and have led to many beneficial changes within the University. The pastsix years have seen notable changes in physical facilities, ways of mobilizing resources (both human and physical),approaches to teaching and learning, and above all Quality Control. Among these, review of existing programs,new academic programs, expansion of community out-reach, and the introduction of distance learning willenable Bethlehem University to continue its important role in serving the Palestinian community.

In January, the Vice Chancellor, noting that the process is dynamic and the challenge ongoing, presented theinitiatives that will be priorities for the near future. These were listed under six main headings - Enhancementof Undergraduate Education, Enhancement of University Experience for Students, Professional Developmentand Enhancement of Staff Life, Community Out-Reach and Partnership, Physical Enhancement of the Campusand Resources to Realize the Plan. The activities undertaken and initiatives proposed throughout the Processwill be reported in a forthcoming document.

Distance LearningDue to the many interruptions and closures, teachersprepared detailed course outlines and provided studentswith reading materials early in the Fall 2002 semester.The BU Intranet played a significant role indisseminating information and assignments to students.This has resulted in an increase of e-mail betweenteachers and students.

As part of the Strategic Planning Process, plans arenow underway to upgrade computer and othertechnological devices to allow for more web-basedlearning. Workshops will be organized to train facultyin their use and to help them design their own websites. Muna Matar, Ph.D., is currently developing ane-learning project at the University of Ghent forimplementation during the next academic year.

New Major in Computer and InformationTechnologyAs part of the Strategic Plan's enhancement ofundergraduate education, the University is planningto inaugurate a baccalaureate degree major inComputer and Information Technology. MaherQumsieh, Ph.D., Chair of the Math Department, statedthat the new major “will graduate students who areprofessionally and technically capable of integratinginto all types of jobs in this field. This includesinformation systems, business oriented information,communication technologies and the very fast growingcomputer applications.” Brother Henry Chaya, Ph.D.,from Manhattan College, NYC, and Muna Matar,Ph.D., from the University of Ghent, will join thedepartment. Nicola Khalilieh is shown with studentsin the Computer Laboratory.


Department of Religious StudiesFr. Peter Du Brul, S.J., Chair, attended a Conference on Interreligious Dialog and the Truth, held in Marseille,France, September 11-15, 2002, organized by the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU) andthe Catholic Institute of the Mediterranean. He also attended a Conference on Globalization and CatholicHigher Education, held in Rome, December 2-6, 2002, organized by the Sacred Congregation for CatholicEducation and IFCU. In January 2003, his book, Ignatius: Sharing the Pilgrim Story, was published by Gracewingin Leominister, England.Fr. Jamal Khader published his doctoral thesis, “Vers la Pleine Communion: Catholiques et Orthodoxes enDialogue”, which he defended at the Faculty of Theology of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. OnMarch 12, 2003, Mr. Charles Abu Sa'da presented his doctoral thesis at the Pontifical Oriental Institute inRome. His thesis was on “The Canonical State of the Clergy and the Sacrament of Priestly Orders in theMelkite Synods from 1790 to 1849.” It received “summa cum laude” and is soon to be published.

Out-Reach Program of The EducationDevelopment CenterOne of the main goals of the Faculty of Education'scommunity out-reach programs is to increase communityawareness about the rights of the child and to help thosechildren who have been directly affected by the extendedcurfews in the Bethlehem region. A plan was devised towork with children who witnessed a variety of violent actsby the occupation forces. Three manuals (EducationalPackages) with various activities were produced by theteam of the Abdul Rahman Zuroub Education ResourceCenter (AZ-ERC) to guide both BU students and parentsin the implementation of these activities. The production

of such innovative educational material offers a new experience to the students. They also gain experience inworking with children under these special circumstances and working with children with special needs.

Students with Special NeedsBethlehem University has long recognized the importance of education for people with special needs and has

addressed this in the Strategic PlanningProcess. A Committee for Students withSpecial Needs has been established toaddress the academic and social needs ofthese students. The overall goal is tointegrate the students into the mainstreamof university life. The University isattempting to obtain funds for specializedequipment such as talking computers for thevisually impaired and adapted keyboardsand input devices for students withcoordination problems. The Committee isalso studying ways to organize tests andexams so that the students' individual needsare taken into account. Seed money for theprogram has recently been received from theBrother James Miller Social Justice Fund.

ACADEMIC LIFE


Research At Bethlehem UniversityA significant amount of research is being done atBethlehem University in the Faculties of Education andScience. In the Hereditary Research Lab, in particular, astudy was funded by the National Institute for Health onfamilies with hearing impairment. Another study is fundedby the Middle East Regional Cooperation Program. Thelab acquired a sequential machine, the first of its kind inPalestine, that will allow researchers to address geneticabnormalities. Significant assistance is provided by theWorld Human Genome Project (HGP). Pictured at theright is Moein Kannan, Ph.D, and his assistant in theResearch Lab.

Finland Sponsors Digital Media EducationDigital media production at Bethlehem University willtake a major step forward in the Fall of 2003. A project,sponsored by the government of Finland and implementedby the Turku Christian Institute to train students in thisfield, began in March. The $320,000 project, extendingover three years, has begun with the remodeling of a roomin the lower level of the Bethlehem University Libraryinto a media center. The new facility will be used forproducing and editing the many types of digital instructionthat will enable the University to produce educationalmaterials for use when students cannot easily reach theUniversity. Faculty and students will also be trained inthe techniques necessary for making such productions andthe use of modern digital media equipment. Brother Neilmeets with Tapio Kujala (right), Head of the Training UnitDiaconia Polytecnic, and University Engineer, NagibNasser.

Simultaneous Translation Coming to BUVisitors from many countries will find BethlehemUniversity a little more “user friendly”. With the additionof new simultaneous translation equipment in CardinalFurno Lecture and Presentation Hall, expatriates will beable to understand lectures given in Arabic.

Two translation booths have already been installed in the130-seat auditorium. The electronic devices necessary tocomplete the facility will soon be installed. Theconstruction and furnishing of Cardinal Furno Lecture andPresentation Hall were completed with funds providedby members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchreof Jerusalem. Dr. Costandi Shomali instructs students inhis translation class.

ACADEMIC LIFE


INSTITUTE FOR COM MThe ICP is a Community Service Institute of Bethlehemwas established in order to strengthen the ties be

The ICP consists of a number of specialized units and aconsultancy, short courses, and organizes local a

MISSION STATEMENTThe Institute aims at providing the Palestin-ian community members with life-long per-sonal and professional skills. These skillscould be utilized to develop the Palestiniansociety regionally, nationally, and internation-ally.

TRAINERSHighly qualified and experienced trainers arehired in order to maintain the high standardsexpected from such an academic Institute.


MUNITY PARTNERSHIPm University and is located close to the campus. The Instituteetween the University and the Palestinian community.

a core unit which coordinates the work. The Institute offersand international conferences as well as trade shows.

TARGETED GROUPSEnterpreneurs, business people, accountants,educators, professionals, housewives, pri-vate, public employees, and youth groupsare among those served.

FUNDERSpecial thanks to Konrad Adenaur Stiftungfor their generous financial support of theICP. They have been supporting it since1989 when it was known as the BDC orthe Business Development Center.


FEAST OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE-MAY 15, 2003

Brother Neil Kieffe, FSC, Steps Down as Vice President for AcademicsBrother Neil Kieffe, FSC, has been a vital part of the University since 1991. Hebegan as Director of Teaching Development and teacher of intensive English. Aftera semester he moved into the key position of Academic Vice President where hedirected the academic life of the University. Brother has held that difficult post foreleven years, longer than any previous Academic Vice President. Besides his work

on academics, he chaired innumerable committees, and was the key person working with AmericanSchools and Hospitals Abroad in planning Millennium Hall and preparing all financial reports. BrotherNeil will be leaving the Vice Presidency but, gratefully, he will remain at the University as Director ofInstructional Technology. He will be replaced by Brother Fergus McArdle from Dublin.

Brother Jerome Sullivan, FSC, and Sister Aida Velasco, SPC, Leave the UniversityBrother Jerome Sullivan, FSC, accepted the post of Vice President for Developmentat Bethlehem University in 1997. During these last six years he has worked withgreat enthusiasm and skill, substantially increasing the contributions from ourinternational donors and initiating new programs that have made possible not justthe survival but also the healthy development of this institution. He will return to theStates in July and will take up development work for the Christian Brothers' NewYork Province. He will be replaced by Brother Jack Curran from New York.

Sister Aida Velasco, SPC, has served at BU since 1992. She taught managementcourses in the Faculty of Business Administration and did work in the Library. In1995, with her MBA degree, she moved to the Finance Office as PayrollAdministrator. She has excelled in each assignment. This coming summer, SisterAida will return to the Philippines to take up a new mission. She will be replacedby Sister Cecilia Nioko, SPC, from the Philippines.

Jubilarians celebrate years of service. The Christian Brothers renew their vows at Mass.

10 YearsMs. Nariman Abu AbbaraMs. Amani AtrashProf. Henri JaqamanMr. Mousa Kan'anMr. Wadie Razzouk

15 YearsMr. Karim Abdul NourMr. Imad Abu DayyehMs. Rima DabdoubMs. Samia Kuncar Srour

20 YearsMs. Firial BannouraMr. Habib KurtMr. Ibrahim NuaimiMs. Mary SabellaMr. Khader Zoughbi

RetireeMr. Ibrahim Al-Butmeh

Staff Recognition Day

5 YearsMs. Francoise DaoudMs. Vivian FreijMs. Maro KarkarMs. Manal KassisMr. Ibrahim Kawwa'Ms. Jamileh MaghalsehMs. Vida NassarMs. Rana Abu Sa'da ThaljiehMr. Rene Zambile


VISITORS TO THE UNIVERSITY

Dr. Moh'd Tawil addresses the EmergencyNursing class during his visit to the University.

Yousef Zaknoun, Ph.D, talks to members of theItalian Conference of Bishops.

Spanish Consul-General Jose Maria Ferré withArts students Nivine Lama (right) and OdetteKamar.

Caritas International Delegation meets with BUAdministrators.

Ibrahim Khlief, Business Major, meets withmembers of the Sabeel Group.

Monsignor Robert Fuglister visits the ComputerCenter named in his honor.


THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITYDonations Received from December 16, 2002 ≠ June 1, 2003

Founder s Club (50,000+)ABU - SwitzerlandEOHSJ - Germany

Trustees Club (25,000+)AnonymousSalim Edde (MUREX)The Grand MagisteriumMissio-Aachen

Chairman’ s Club (10,000+)Missio - MunichBethlehem Association Scholarship FundChristian Brothers at Lambert Hall ≠ Memphis, TNDe La Salle Provincialate ≠ IrelandEOHSJ ≠ England & WalesEOHSJ - ScotlandRiccardo Richiardi & FamilyBrother Thomas Voss, FSCMisereorMary P. Dolciani-Halloran Foundation

Chancellor’ s Club (5,000+)CNEWA-PMP - JerusalemFriends of BU - IrelandLa Salle Community, St. Mary's University ≠ MNLadah FoundationSwiss Holy Land AssociationKenneth & Theresa WillettAmerican Consulate General- Jerusalem

Vice Chancellor’ s Club (1,000+)Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence AnzivinoAssociation of Occupational TherapistsPeter BernardsCount Agostino BorromeoBund Neudeutschland ≠ Stefan Mock- GermanyBruce and Judith ButlerCatholic Parish of St. Ives & Papworth≠ UK - Rev. Paul MaddisonCatholic Relief Services ≠ Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza ProgramChristian Brothers Roncalli Center ≠ PAConferenza Episcopale ItalianaErzbistum KolnFriends of B. U. in the Holy Land ≠ David Muirhead, Jr.FSC Foundation ≠ USADr. Anthony Hopkins ≠ American University of CairoRev. Willard Jabusch

Huda & Thurmond Jackson ≠ In Memory of Hadiya BitarProfessor Heinrich & Monica KollerJohn McGowan IIAnn K. MoralesThomas More Parish ≠ Oxford - Rev. M. TowerRev. John O'SullivanSt. Augustine's Parish ≠ Coatbridge ≠ Canon James FoleySaint Gregory's Parish Alresford - UKShaw Family FoundationStarcross Community ≠ Annapolis, CA

Special Friends (500+)Bishop Loughlin H.S. FSC Community≠ Brooklyn, NYMr. & Mrs. Frank BradyMr. & Mrs. Daniel CarneyMr. & Mrs. Raymond CeasarBr. Henry Chaya, FSCBrother James Miller Social Justice FundChristian Brothers ≠ Baltimore ProvinceChristian Brothers Community ≠ Glencoe, MOChristian Brothers Community — Manhattan College, NYCorpus Christi Parish, Oxford ≠ Rev. John BaggleyDe La Salle College ≠ Cottonera, MaltaMr. & Mrs. James EcksteinThomas & Mary EyermanDenis & Teresena GallagherMsgr. Edmund GriesedieckRegula HerdeKathryn Hopps & Shibley TelhamiRev. Urban KnollRev. Elizabeth KnottGeraldine LawhonVeronica McAteerMary NawasRev. Thomas O'DonnellOur Lady Help of Christians ≠ Oxford - Very Rev. K. Anderson, SDBOxford Oratory ≠ Rev. R. DuffieldSt. Andrew the Apostle Church ≠ Rev. Jerry SimonelliSisters of Charity ≠ In Memory of Sr. Mary Elizabeth EarleyTom & Ann StaalDolly & Charlie SullivanWilliam Randolph WeberChristian Brothers ≠ La Salle Hall, AmmendaleEdward & Janet Hazboun

Centur y Club (100+)Sr. Margaret AhlAnonymousDiscovering the XXI CenturyMr. Francis MaherJan BaumanBr. Marvin Becker, FSCHarold & Anne BenitzBd. Dominic Barberi Parish ≠ Oxford ≠ Rev. J. HancockBr. Dominic Berardelli, FSCRobert David BoothRobert BussjaegerMaura ChandlerChristian Brothers ≠ Miguel House - RIChristian Brothers Retreat Center Dunrovin ≠ Marine On St. Croix, MNMr. & Mrs. Robert Cunningham, Sr.Nora & Robert D'AcquistoDe La Salle Community - MODe La Salle Brothers ≠ Coatbridge Community ≠ UKDe La Salle Brothers ≠ Hungerford - Brother Anthony Porter,FSCRev. Charles Des RuisseauxRev. Kail Ellis, OSAJohn & Norma ElserJohn & Barbara EricksonAngela FairweatherAnthony FasanoEdward & Matilda FitzpatrickClaire A. Fordrung ≠ In Memory of her MotherFSC - San Miguel Community, MNDavid & Nancy GaffeyLarry GarberMrs. W. J. Gardner - OxfordMargaret GarzaAndrew Gilman & Dianne RudoBr. Paul Grass, FSCJohn & Susan GreenwoodBr. Mark Gubbels, FSCBruno HaslerBr. Peter Henderson, FSCPaul & Betty HoppeMr. & Mrs. Joseph Hosack, Jr.Kent HughesChina JessupAndrew & Diana JezyckiJohn KatzMariam KhoursheedNabil & Mouna Khoury, MDDr. & Mrs. William KlassenMonsignor Lucian LamzaHerrn Dr. Rolf LattreuterGuilherme LeitaoFrank & Julia Litecky


Richard McFarlandRev. Richard Mackowski, SJJohn Manion & Anne McBrideRev. Juan Martin, MMBr. William Martin, FSCBrenda MeehanMonsignor P.J. MolloyAmal MorcosValerie Ann MorganPatricia MuirheadJeanne-Marie NielsonJohn & Willa O'ConnorProfessor Alain PiqueCatherine A. QuigleyThomas QuigleyLulu Ramos - JerusalemThomas & Kimberly RhodesMaura RobertsonRev. Patrick RushJamal Sa'dSt. Anthony of Padua Parish ≠ Oxford≠ Rev. J. Nguyen The-QuangSt. Gregory & St. Augustine ≠ Oxford≠ Rev. D. KavanaghSt. La Salle Community ≠ Oakland, CAEdward SamarioSan Miguel Community ≠ Camden, NJHerrn Dr. Walter SchumacherLorraine SostowskiJean & Carey TharpBernard & Jeanne VerssueElaine VillafanaJohn VisteSr. Stephanie Wilson, OSUJames H. YocumGerhard & Therese Kraus ≠ Vogt

Silver Anniver sary (25+)AnonymousRobert & Donna BoiesAl & Joan CaroChristian Brothers ≠ Villa Park Community - ILBr. James Connolly, FSCMs. Joan KondrackiMr. & Mrs. Paul Moses

R. CrookTeresa Dal SantoTohfe DihmesSr. Elizabeth Earley, S.C.MB PR EmmersonBr. Richard Geimer, FSCBr. John Guasconi, FSCBr. John Johnston, FSCJoseph KechichianDavid KellySr. Eleanor Lincoln, CSJSr. Catherine Litecky, CSJDan & Ione MinoreBr. Patrick O'Brien, FSCOxford Bookes University ChaplaincyLucy QuaintanceHelen QuinlanEnrique & Yolanda RamirezBr. Basil Rothweiler, FSCSacred Heart Parish ≠ Oxford ≠ Rev. P. MaddenRichard SantalesaMr. and Mrs. Gregory F. SchaffnerM.J. ShortN. ShortPauline Smetka & Patrick WhiteSr. Florence Steichen, CSJMarjorie ThorntonRev. Rune Thuringer, SJBr. Robert Werle, FSCBr. Bertrand Juettner, FSCCharles MariaBr. Dale Mooney, FSC

Local Donor sGovernment of Saudi ArabiaLatin Patriarchate School Office - JerusalemCustody of the Holy Land - JerusalemHoly Land FoundationNakhle Khamis ScholarshipsAltushkin FoundationPalestinian Solidarity FoundationTrust International Insurance Company ScholarshipsCaritas ≠ JerusalemSecretariat for Solidarity - Jerusalem

St. Vincent de Paul - JerusalemInash El-Usra Society ≠ Al BirehFateh YouthSau'd Al BateemReleased Prisoners Fund - BethlehemSt. Nicholas Orthodox Youth ScholarshipsTransjordan EngineeringJerusalem Cigarette CompanyThe Palestinian Non- governmental OrganizationRehabilitation ProgramAl-Rawwad CenterAcademy for Educational DevelopmentYouth Support Fund ScholarshipArab Student Aid InternationalPalestinian TelecommunicationsProject Loving Care Society - Jerusalem

Research /Project Donor sIreland AidKonrad Adenauer FoundationBernard Van LeerUNDP-PAPPItalian CooperationAsociacion para la Obra Social de la Orden del Santo Sepulcro de Jerusalen, ONG, NavarraEquestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of JerusalemSave the ChildrenMax Planck InstituteArab University ResearchCISEPODFG/Ulm UniversityMERC (American Embassy)MERC/Wisconsin UniversityUNESCODFG/Beilefeld UniversityDFG/Kiel UniversityDFG/Potsdam University

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT :Brother Jack Curran, FSC Geraldine Lawhon, LCHSVice President for Development US Development OfficePO Box 11407 Gilo PO Box 7222, St. Joseph, MO92248 Jerusalem, via Israel 64507 USAPhone: 972-2-274-1241 Phone: 816-233-1662Fax: 972-2-274-4440 Fax: 816-233-5690Email: [email protected] Email:[email protected]

Website: http://www.bethlehem.eduE-MAIL: [email protected]

12 Bethlehem University News | Summer - Fall 2003RAI House Art-02-2740713

I am Muna Matar, graduate of Bethlehem University, born in Beit Jala, a town adjacent to Bethlehem. InFebruary 2003, while working at the University of Ghent in Belgium, where I earned my Ph.D. two yearsago, I received a call from my brother in Seattle, Washington. He alerted me of the disturbing news of mymother's sudden passing away. I flew from Belgium to Seattle to be with them and to help make arrangementsto have my mother buried in her birth town of Beit Jala. Meanwhile, members of my family in Beit Jalaworked to get permission from the Israeli authorities for me to accompany the body to Palestine via BenGurion airport. The Israeli authorities denied this request. Due to the urgency of the situation, I flew toAmman, Jordan and crossed the official border between Jordan and Israel, the Allenby Bridge, to get toPalestine, adding expense and two extra days to the journey. We laid my dear mother to rest in her hometownof Beit Jala.

A week after the burial I was prepared to resume my work at the University of Ghent in Belgium. In keepingwith the Israeli “rules” for Palestinians who want to leave the country, I applied for permission to fly fromBen Gurion. My application was rejected, no reason given. I then asked local people with some influence tohelp me, but their intervention was of no avail. In spite of being rebuffed without explanation, I turned toBethlehem University for assistance. With a complete file of all my documents, copies of my passport,residence card in Belgium, airline ticket, my mother's death certificate, a letter from the University of Ghentrequesting me to resume my work and an explanation of the reasons for my return to Palestine to bury mymother, after waiting a few more days, despite the best efforts of BU, again I was denied a travel permit. Ibegan to wonder if an institution like BU could not help me, who could? Friends suggested the BelgianConsulate in Jerusalem. The Consulate expressed their regrets when they were told by the Israeli authoritiesthat my request was flatly refused. The University of Ghent was getting worried about the projects in whichI was involved. With increased stress and frustration, again I decided to apply for permission for a fifth timewith the help of a well known priest and other influential people. Days passed with my hopes buoyed up bypromises like “tomorrow you will get it” or “call us this afternoon and we will decide” or “change yourplane reservation so we will have enough time to think about it.” My travel agent was very patient andcooperative in adjusting my hoped-for airline reservations. This tedious situation and psychological stresswent on for almost two weeks. The war on Iraq broke out and it became almost impossible for anyone toleave the country due to what the Israelis called “security reasons.”

My last resort was to leave via Amman, Jordan. The war in Iraq made this not only stressful and difficult butalso dangerous. Nevertheless, with the help of Jordanian friends, the necessary papers were completed anddispatched to the bridge authorities on the Jordanian side. Permission granted! To get to the bridge meantleaving Beit Jala at 5:00 AM via taxi on back roads since the normal roads are closed to Palestinians. Withinfifteen minutes we were stopped at an Israeli military checkpoint and two twenty- year old Israeli soldiersstopped us. Explaining that I had a flight to catch that same night and even showing them my flight ticket,they were very provocative, knocking down my suitcase and telling me to “go back to Bethlehem, go back toHamas and Jihad.” Feeling angry and frustrated, I had no choice then but to try to go around that checkpointon foot. With the kind assistance of the taxi driver who, under the watchful eyes of the soldiers and their guns,carried my suitcase over dirt mounds and also called another taxi driver on the other side of the checkpointto drive me to the bridge. My journey continued with a few more or less vexatious checkpoints to cross.Finally I made it to the Allenby Bridge, the crossing itself took very long due to the many security checks onboth the Israeli and the Jordanian sides. My friends in Amman met me at the bridge and I spent the rest of theday with them. At last, I caught my plane to Brussels at 2:30 the next morning.

The four-hour plane trip cost me four weeks of agony and suffering.

“GO BACK TO BETHLEHEM ...”

bethlehem university news, fall 2003

Documents

storyof strategic planning

university community

strategic areas of review

process of reflectiverenewal

real sense

repeated obstacles

repeated interruptions

obstaclesand frustrations