Birziet University Friends Association celebrates its 25th anniversary

Birzeit University Friends Association celebrated its silver jubilee anniversary on November 19, 2018, with the inauguration of a cooperative workshop for the “Hand in Hand” initiative, a project driven by innovative students from Birzeit University who produce handicrafts and sell them in Palestinian markets. The revenues fund scholarships for students in need.

The celebration was attended by the Chair of Birzeit University’s Board of Trustees Dr. Hanna Nasir, President of Birzeit University Abdullatif Abuhijleh, Minister of Culture Ehab Bseiso, President of the Birzeit University Association Mohammad Al- Masrouji, and General Manager of the BZU Friends Association Samah Hamid.

Dr. Nasir recalled the establishment of the association by Mohammad Al-Masrouji in 1993 to support students in need. The association started by offering meals to students and then it developed to become a full-service association that serves the student community.

He continued, “Birzeit University is lucky and honored to have a friend and a generous supporter such as Al-Masrouji. He also funded the construction of the media building, and supported the construction of other projects inside the university.”

Al-Masrouji expressed his pride at being part of Birzeit’s community, since its inception as a school and then as a university with a great local and international status. “The idea of Hand in Hand evolved with the dedication of innovative and self-driven students. The idea is now widespread and has organized great activities and initiatives. Today, we supported more than 400 scholarships is unique project in order to augment its ongoing success. Our goal is to help students to continue their academic journey and have a prosperous future.

Bseiso pointed out that such initiatives represent the meaning of cooperation, volunteering, and community service, which are much needed to build a bright future for Palestine.