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“I wish to make special mention of the
outstanding achievements of
Bethlehem University ”
Pope Benedict XVI, 11 May 2009 Holy Land Visit
Expressing Hope for the Future, Bethlehem University Seeks Assistance for New Students from Gaza
In remarks during his May 2009 visit to Bethlehem , Pope Benedict XVI continued his support for educational initiatives and expressed his solidarity with the plight of Palestinians, especially those “from war-torn Gaza .”

“My heart goes out to the pilgrims from war-torn Gaza,” His Holiness preached at a mass in Manger Square, “Please be assured of my solidarity with you in the immense work of rebuilding which now lies ahead.”
Acknowledging the valuable contributions of many institutions and groups engaged in inter-religious dialogue, Pope Benedict said, “I wish to make special mention of the outstanding achievements of Bethlehem University .”
“When I spoke with Pope Benedict during the Mass in Manger Square on Wednesday,” said Brother Peter Bray, Vice Chancellor, “I expressed the University's gratitude for his support and requested prayers for our students and benefactors.”
His Holiness went on to say, “you daily demonstrate your belief that our duty before God is expressed not only in our worship but also in our love and concern for society, for culture, for our world and for all who live in this land.”
“By your commitment to education you are expressing hope in the future,” His Holiness proclaimed at the Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem . “To all the young people here, I say: renew your efforts to prepare for the time when you will be responsible for the affairs of the Palestinian people in the years to come.”
“There is a particular hopefulness that the Pope's visit will provide an opportunity for the Israeli authorities to once again give permission for students from Gaza to study at Bethlehem University ,” said Brother Robert Smith, FSC, Academic Vice President of Bethlehem University .
Before the year 2000, Gaza residents were an integral part of the academic community at Bethlehem University , studying alongside their West Bank peers and colleagues. Now, there are more than 438 former students and graduates of Bethlehem University from Gaza who are involved in emergency aid work, small business development, and teaching reform, nursing education, and various United Nations offices as well as public and Christian schools – providing the critical human and spiritual services for the people of Gaza . Bethlehem University seeks assistance so that it can once again be able to educate students from Gaza so s to continue to help in the needed rebuilding process there.
“As a Vatican-sponsored Palestinian university open to students from all faith traditions, we are seeking support from any and all countries, organizations, and persons of good will to help us secure permission from the Israeli authorities for students from Gaza to study at Bethlehem University,” said Brother Jack Curran, Vice President for Development.
Father David Neuhaus, sj, of the Bethlehem University faculty noted that “the Pope comes into the heart of a troubled area to show the Church's face as a promoter of justice, of peace and most importantly, of pardon and compassion. We need this visit.”
“I pray daily for peace born of justice
to return to the Holy Land and the entire region,
bringing security and renewed hope for all.”
Pope Benedict XVI, 11 May 2009 Holy Land Visit
Bethlehem University is grateful for Pope's support and encouragement – and for the support and encouragement of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, Churches, Parishes and people of all denominations, as well as foundations, NGOs and country-based development cooperation offices. Mindful of the students from the cities, villages, and refugee camps in and around Jerusalem , Bethlehem , Hebron , and Ramalah, and especially mindful of the students from Gaza , Bethlehem University continues with hope seeking the travel permissions from the Israeli authorities for students from Gaza to be allowed to come to Bethlehem University and to begin summer courses in June 2009.
Ref: http://www.bethlehem.edu/archives/2009/2009_027.shtml