Launch of the FBUI
The Bethlehem University Irish Foundation has been launched on February 14 in Newman House. Bethlehem University is the only Catholic university in the Holy Land. The town of Bethlehem is circumscribed by an 8 metre high Wall so that mobility by the Palestinian staff and students into or out of Bethlehem is very difficult, often impossible with closed Israeli checkpoints. In these extraordinary circumstances, Bethlehem University, is a co-educational institution in the Lasallian tradition and carries out its mission to provide higher education to the people of Palestine of all creeds and nationalities, in the most difficult of political, academic, and financial circumstances.
The mission of the Foundation is to assist Bethlehem University by establishing an academic co-operation programme with the Irish university world and thereby to assist in the overall development of the international programmes of all the universities involved. It has been established by the Friends of Bethlehem University in Ireland to provide a programme of visiting scholarships & fellowships to enable Bethlehem University staff make short visits out of Bethlehem to Irish universities, and conversely, to enable staff from Irish universities visit Bethlehem University in order, for example:
- to promote the establishment of teaching, research and other academic co-operative links,
- to explore opportunities for collaboration in student mobility under the European Union ERASMUS MUNDUS and in other student oriented programmes,
- to discuss the possibility for joint Masters or other degree programmes supported by the European Union, and
- to examine the various university administrative structures for such programmes as research development, e-learning, international development studies, etc..
“I am very pleased with this excellent initiative of our friends in Ireland on behalf of Bethlehem University. I thank you for your generosity in supporting this most vital project. We need and appreciate your assistance. This project which will develop professional academic relationships between Irish universities and Bethlehem University is of great value to our staff and the students we are privileged to serve. I offer you prayerful gratitude and blessings from the Holy Land.”,
Brother Daniel Casey, FSC, Vice Chancellor and CEO, Bethlehem University in the Holy Land.
“It was a great delight to be able to visit Bethlehem University on Saturday 12 January 2008 and to concelebrate holy Mass there and to meet members of the faculty and students. The excellent presentation and subsequent discussion with students of the University and with members of the faculty convinced me that outstanding work of education and formation takes place there which is making a big contribution to the life of all.
I wish it continued success in its efforts to offer genuine solidarity to a community not only in need but under siege as well
I commend this latest initiative of the Friends of Bethlehem University in Ireland as both timely and inspired.”
+Sean Brady
Cardinal Archbishop of Armagh
“I am delighted to send my warmest good wishes to the Bethlehem University Irish Foundation on the occasion of its forthcoming launch.
The Foundation will offer the University vital support through the network of academic links it makes available, enhancing the educational reach of this institution as it carries out its vital work under the most testing conditions. The efforts of the Foundation extend an important message of solidarity and friendship in these difficult times.
I wish all associated with this initiative every success, and join you in wishing Bethlehem University every success in its continuing work.”
Mary McAleese
President
The Foundation has been launched, February 14th at 5.00 pm in Newman House, 86, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 with speakers, Br. Robert Smith, acting Vice-Chancellor of Bethlehem University and Dr. Garret FitzGerald, Chancellor of the National University of Ireland.
Please contact us for more information.