HCEF Honors Bethlehem University with the 2010 ‘Living Stones Solidarity’ Award

HCEF
Bethlehem University is named recipient of the 2010 Living Stones Solidarity Award by the unanimous vote of the HCEF Board of Directors. This is the highest award reserved for an institution that has made a sustained and extraordinary effort to serve, sustain and stand in solidarity with the Christians in the Holy Land.

In announcing the award, the HCEF Board of Directors lauded Bethlehem University “that through its emphasis on excellence in its educational and mentoring programs, it prepares its students to be leaders in society. Through quality higher education it becomes a center for advancement and knowledge for the people of Palestine.” The Board noted that through its educational, advocacy, and solidarity initiatives the school achieves “its primary mission of the betterment of the lives of Palestinians and Christians at large.”

Bethlehem University is a passionate advocate for the rights of others. A recent example of this advocacy was Berlanty Azzam, a fourth year student from Gaza who attended the school and was kidnapped shortly before graduation from Bethlehem by the Israeli military occupation authorities. The University’s efforts to shed light on this injustice brought international attention and outcry resulting in greater awareness of the harsh realities faced on a daily basis by many Palestinians.

In collaboration with HCEF, Bethlehem University has supported numerous pilgrim groups who travel to the Holy Land on the Living Stones Fact Finding pilgrimages. It has aided HCEF’s mission work and gave visiting students first hand opportunities to work and live with Palestinians.

In summarizing its selection, Rateb Rabie, KCHS, HCEF President/CEO noted