A delegation from the Yasser Arafat Foundation, headed by Dr. Ahmad Soboh, Chairman of the Board, visited Palestine Ahliya University and Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, as part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation with higher education institutions. The delegation included Dr. Awda Masharqa, Executive Director, Fares Saqr, Director of Media and Public Relations, and Mahar Abu Ain, Director of Activities.
During the visit, the delegation met with the President of Palestine Ahliya University, Prof. Dr. Imad Al-Zeer, in the presence of the University’s Assistant President for International Relations and Public Affairs, Ms. Grace Abu Ghannam, and the Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Ihab Khlaileh. At Dar al-Kalima University, the delegation was welcomed by Rev. Prof. Dr. Mitri Raheb, President of the University, accompanied by Ms. Rana Khoury, Vice President for Development.
Dr. Soboh explained that the visit was part of a series of visits the Foundation is conducting to Palestinian universities to promote cooperation and instill national and political values among students, especially in light of the current challenges facing the Palestinian cause. He also emphasized that the Yasser Arafat Foundation was established to preserve the legacy and historical struggle of the Palestinian people and the late President Yasser Arafat. Through its projects, the Foundation seeks to promote national and democratic values in society.
Dr. Soboh spoke about "The Yasser Arafat Space," which includes the mausoleum, museum, and mosque, describing it as one of the Foundation’s most significant achievements. He explained that the museum holds historical materials, films, and possessions available in eight languages, along with resources and references that serve researchers and students. He invited the administration, faculty, and students of both universities to visit the museum to enhance awareness of national identity.
For his part, Prof. Dr. Imad Al-Zeer expressed his gratitude to the Foundation’s delegation, appreciating its role in cementing national unity. He noted that the visit reflected the leadership spirit of Yasser Arafat. Dr. Al-Zeer also talked about the university's history and academic programs, highlighting the inclusion of courses focused on national culture, with plans to introduce specific materials about President Yasser Arafat and his Foundation in the curriculum. He proposed the creation of a peer-reviewed academic journal under the Foundation’s auspices, dedicated to the national and cultural narrative at both local and international levels.
Rev. Prof. Dr. Mitri Raheb, in turn, expressed great admiration for the Yasser Arafat Museum, stating that its design and display of materials were on par with what he had seen in global museums, prompting him to encourage the university’s staff to visit it. He praised the Foundation's efforts in preserving Palestinian history and archiving the legacy of Yasser Arafat for future generations. Dr. Raheb pointed out that the university takes its official guests to visit the museum due to its educational and national value. He also provided an overview of Dar al-Kalima University’s focus on arts, design, and culture, emphasizing the importance of documenting the Palestinian narrative through education and cultural partnerships.
At the end of the visit, the Foundation’s delegation presented a set of written and audiovisual publications to the leadership of both universities, including documentaries such as "An Unforgettable Life" and "Companions of the Path", as well as books in both Arabic and English. Both parties reiterated the importance of continued collaboration to serve students and researchers, and to further strengthen the Palestinian cultural and national identity among youth.
