BZU stands in protest against Trump decision on Jerusalem

“Jerusalem will always be the capital of our free, independent Palestinian state,” said President of Birzeit University Dr. Abdullatif Abuhijleh. The statement came during an on-campus protest on December 12, 2017, in which Birzeit University’s community – students, faculty, staff, and administration – condemned the United States’ recent decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

The protest included speeches by the President of the University, the Birzeit University Union of Employees and Professors, and the student wings of Palestinian political parties.

Dr. Abuhijleh denounced the recent decision, calling it a disregard of international agreements: “This is the second Balfour Declaration, a blatant transgression of international laws, resolutions, and treaties. We ask Palestinians to unite against such injustice, and we call on the international community to refuse and condemn this recognition.

The Head of the Birzeit University Union of Employees and Professors, Sameh Abu Awwad, noted the Palestinian people’s unwavering resilience throughout the years, “Jerusalem has been under one form or another of occupation throughout history. Not once, however, has that occupation persisted; Jerusalem has always been freed. And it’s no different this time, we will free Jerusalem and all of Palestine from the Israeli occupation sooner than later; the US decision makes no difference.”

The Student Council affirmed the Union’s statement, and promised to bear the Palestinian dream of an independent state until its complete fulfillment.