Birzeit University Inaugurates Student Garden "Shurfa Terrace"

Birzeit University celebrated the opening of the Student Garden "Shurfa Terrace," which is located on campus between the Al-Maktoum building and the Faculty of Arts.

The garden, donated by Palestinian businessman Samir Owaidah, was designed by the students of architecture to be an open green space for students’ social and cultural dialogue.

The garden’s opening ceremony was attended by Birzeit University Board of Trustees Chairman Hanna Nasir, University President Khalil Hindi, and Palestinian businessman (and honorary board member) Samir Owaidah, as well as a number of other university officials, faculty, staff and students.

Hindi expressed appreciation for Owaidah’s support of the Shurfa project, saying that the university has progressed through support from the local community and its businesspeople. Hindi also pointed out that the park’s philosophy is based on creating a space in harmony with both the site’s natural surroundings, and the need for a public gathering space for dialogue and celebration.

“The garden will be a focal point for students’ exchange of ideas and views,” Owaidah said, emphasizing that his support is his responsibility towards his home country, specifically the Palestinian education sector.

Owaidah, Nasir and Hindi then cut the ribbon, opening the garden, while student Valentina Shuli gave the students’ speech, followed by a performance by Duzan Group.