Vice President for Advancement
Bethlehem University
The
war in Gaza rages on, and Bethlehem University can only offer prayers
for the people of Gaza and its 435 graduates, many of whom have been
hiding in their homes, schools, mosques and in churches since the start
of this offensive. Many more have no place to hide, but on the streets
where as reported the stench of death kills.
We are very concerned about our graduates in Gaza as many have not responded to our contacts through social media and phone.
We
are very lucky to have received as Bethlehem University many messages
inquiring about our safety here in Bethlehem. For all of you, we say
THANK YOU, but do remember us and our graduates in Gaza in your prayers.
Team members of the Advancement Office at Bethlehem University have been able to connect with several of our graduates.
Rana
Al-Sayegh, BU'99, with her 4 children were hiding in the corridor of
her flat when we rang her yesterday morning. "I am not sure how to keep
my children safe, several buildings around me were all brought to the
ground... I am so worried, but happy that you called me," Rana said and
has asked we pray for them.
Our
Vice Chancellor, Brother Peter Bray, was able to speak over the phone
to the mother of Berlanty Azzam, a BU Graduate of 2010, who is currently
working in the US. Berlanty was not allowed to continue her studies at
Bethlehem University by the Israeli Authority simply because she came
from Gaza, but Bethlehem University enabled her to graduate through
distance learning while in Gaza.
Berlanty's
mother asked Brother Peter to pray for her and her family. "Our lives
are unbearable, we are very scared, and several houses in our
neighborhood have completely vanished".
Mohammed
Abu Hawila, BU '89, who is an UNRWA School Deputy Principal in Gaza
City, told us that while his immediate family is safe, several of his
friends have perished, and many more have been seriously injured. He
told us: "a lot of people moved to live in the school classes where I
work. As many as 60 people are living in a small room in a very
difficult situation, may God help them."
To all our graduates in the Gaza Strip, we are praying for you and hope this will come to an end very soon.
To
all our friends and supporters, we ask you to pray for the people of
Gaza at these hard times, and we also ask you to pray for us so that
Bethlehem University may continue to be a "Beacon of Hope and an Oasis
of Peace" in this Holy, but troubled Land.
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