Latest news with #BirzeitUniversity
Days of Palestine
4 days ago
- Politics
- Days of Palestine
Major West Bank Water System Serving 100,000 Palestinians Shut Down after Settler Attack
DaysofPal – A critical water supply serving over 100,000 Palestinians has been completely shut down following systematic attacks on vital infrastructure by Israeli settlers. The Jerusalem Governorate Water Utility announced Monday that it has been forced to halt all pumping operations at the Ain Samia facility, located east of Kafr Malik in the northeastern Ramallah area. The utility said it has lost complete technical and administrative control over the water system after a series of coordinated assaults on electrical networks, pumping equipment, and surveillance systems. The attacks have disrupted internet and telecommunications services throughout the region, making it dangerous for technical crews to access the site and attempt repairs. Sunday's latest incident saw settlers vandalize security cameras and damage critical water infrastructure at the facility. Ain Samia represents a cornerstone of the region's water supply, housing five active wells ranging from 100 to 500 meters deep. The facility produces approximately 12,000 cubic meters of water daily, roughly 17% of all water managed by the Jerusalem Governorate Water Utility. The shutdown directly affects 19 Palestinian communities, including Deir Dibwan, Burqa, Beitin, and Al-Taybeh. An additional 14 areas receive water through connection to the Ramallah Station, including the Jalazone Refugee Camp and Birzeit University. In total, the Ain Samia system serves an estimated 110,000 people either fully or partially. Water utility officials have issued urgent appeals to local and international organizations, calling for immediate intervention to protect Palestinian water resources. They warn that continued attacks could trigger a humanitarian catastrophe, potentially depriving more than 70,000 residents of their basic right to clean water. The facility's strategic importance extends beyond its immediate service area, as it helps maintain water pressure and supply stability across northern and eastern sections of the Ramallah and Al-Bireh governorates. Officials said the attacks are part of a systematic campaign of sabotage and called for international pressure to halt what they characterized as deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure essential for daily life. The water authority emphasized that restoring service depends not only on repairing damaged equipment but also on ensuring the safety of technical personnel who must access the remote facility to conduct maintenance and monitoring operations. Shortlink for this post:
Kuwait Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Birzeit University Honors Kuwaiti Business Leader Kutayba Alghanim with Doctorate for Lifelong Contributions to Education and Social Impact
Birzeit, Palestine – May 26, 2025: Birzeit University has awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D) to Mr. Kutayba Alghanim, Executive Chairman of Alghanim Industries, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, humanitarian efforts, community development, and private sector leadership. The ceremony took place in Kuwait on May 20, 2025, and was attended by Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Chair of Birzeit University's Board of Trustees; Dr. Talal Shahwan, University President; members of the university Board, H. E. Ambassador Rami Tahboub, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Kuwait, and distinguished figures from the academic and business communities. In her remarks, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi said: 'This recognition honors a man who has championed education as a foundation for building stronger, more just societies. Through his unwavering commitment to educational, economic, and social progress, Mr. Alghanim has set a powerful example of ethical leadership. Today, as we celebrate his achievements, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to defend and advance the values of justice and equity — particularly in light of the grave humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian people. With the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the forced displacement of families across Gaza and the West Bank, we are witnessing systematic violations that threaten the fundamental rights to life and education. These atrocities demand an even stronger commitment to upholding the principles of freedom, dignity, and learning — not as abstract ideals, but as concrete responsibilities to the next generation.' Kutayba Alghanim holding his honorary doctorate, flanked by Dr. Talal Shahwan, President of Birzeit University, and Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Chair of the Board of Trustees Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Birzeit University, speaking during the ceremony Kutayba Alghanim speaking during the ceremony Commenting on this, Kutayba Y. Alghanim said: 'I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from a university that continues to stand as a beacon of knowledge and perseverance. Birzeit has always recognized that education goes beyond academic pursuit – it's a symbol of resilience and hope during the hardest of times. I have long believed that the greatest battle we face in our region is the battle against ignorance — and education is our most powerful tool. Birzeit's role in this fight is not just admirable, it is essential. I believe that investing in knowledge and education is one of the most meaningful ways to shape a more just and balanced future. To be recognized by such an institution, here in Kuwait, a country grounded in humanitarian values and a long-standing commitment to the dignity of the Palestinian people — gives this honor even greater meaning.' Dr. Talal Shahwan, President of Birzeit University, added: 'Mr. Kutayba Alghanim is not only a business leader of great distinction, but also a visionary committed to building more inclusive, equitable communities — where education is prioritized and justice is non-negotiable. His consistent support for education and humanitarian causes across Palestine, the Arab world, and beyond is a continuation of the legacy of his late father, Mr. Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim, who believed deeply in the power of knowledge and the dignity of work.' Kutayba Alghanim serves as Executive Chairman of Alghanim Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the Middle East. Under his leadership, the company has embraced a culture of innovation, operational excellence, and forward-looking business practices. Beyond his corporate achievements, Mr. Alghanim has remained a committed advocate for education and social development. His philanthropic support enabled the construction of the Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim Library at Birzeit University in 1985, and he continues to fund scholarships for deserving students at Birzeit, Arab students at the University of California, Berkeley — his alma mater — and the Lebanese American University, as well as in Kuwait through partnerships with the Arab Open University and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society. In 2003, he founded the Dar Ilham and Yusuf Alghanim Center in Lebanon, a family-style residential home for orphaned children, and he supports a range of other humanitarian and educational initiatives across the region, including the Children's Home project in Kuwait. The honorary doctorate is among Birzeit University's highest honors, presented to individuals whose contributions advance the university's mission and help expand access to high-quality education that empowers future leaders.
Arab Times
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Birzeit University awards Kuwaiti Business Leader Kutayba Alghanim with Doctorate for lifelong contributions to education & social impact
BIRZEIT, May 25: Birzeit University has awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D) to Mr. Kutayba Alghanim, Executive Chairman of Alghanim Industries, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to education, humanitarian efforts, community development, and private sector leadership. The ceremony took place in Kuwait on May 20, 2025, and was attended by Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Chair of Birzeit University's Board of Trustees; Dr. Talal Shahwan, University President; members of the university Board, H. E. Ambassador Rami Tahboub, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Kuwait, and distinguished figures from the academic and business communities. In her remarks, Dr. Hanan Ashrawi said: 'This recognition honors a man who has championed education as a foundation for building stronger, more just societies. Through his unwavering commitment to educational, economic, and social progress, Mr. Alghanim has set a powerful example of ethical leadership. Today, as we celebrate his achievements, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to defend and advance the values of justice and equity – particularly in light of the grave humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian people. With the ongoing genocide in Gaza and the forced displacement of families across Gaza and the West Bank, we are witnessing systematic violations that threaten the fundamental rights to life and education. These atrocities demand an even stronger commitment to upholding the principles of freedom, dignity, and learning – not as abstract ideals, but as concrete responsibilities to the next generation.' Commenting on this, Kutayba Alghanim said: 'I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from a university that continues to stand as a beacon of knowledge and perseverance. Birzeit has always recognized that education goes beyond academic pursuit – it's a symbol of resilience and hope during the hardest of times. I have long believed that the greatest battle we face in our region is the battle against ignorance – and education is our most powerful tool. Birzeit's role in this fight is not just admirable, it is essential. I believe that investing in knowledge and education is one of the most meaningful ways to shape a more just and balanced future. To be recognized by such an institution, here in Kuwait, a country grounded in humanitarian values and a long-standing commitment to the dignity of the Palestinian people – gives this honor even greater meaning.' Dr. Talal Shahwan, President of Birzeit University, added: 'Mr. Kutayba Alghanim is not only a business leader of great distinction, but also a visionary committed to building more inclusive, equitable communities – where education is prioritized and justice is non-negotiable. His consistent support for education and humanitarian causes across Palestine, the Arab world, and beyond is a continuation of the legacy of his late father, Mr. Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim, who believed deeply in the power of knowledge and the dignity of work.' Kutayba Alghanim serves as Executive Chairman of Alghanim Industries, one of the largest privately held companies in the Middle East. Under his leadership, the company has embraced a culture of innovation, operational excellence, and forward-looking business practices. Beyond his corporate achievements, Mr. Alghanim has remained a committed advocate for education and social development. His philanthropic support enabled the construction of the Yusuf Ahmed Alghanim Library at Birzeit University in 1985, and he continues to fund scholarships for deserving students at Birzeit, Arab students at the University of California, Berkeley – his alma mater – and the Lebanese American University, as well as in Kuwait through partnerships with the Arab Open University and the Kuwait Red Crescent Society. In 2003, he founded the Dar Ilham and Yusuf Alghanim Center in Lebanon, a family-style residential home for orphaned children, and he supports a range of other humanitarian and educational initiatives across the region, including the Children's Home project in Kuwait. The honorary doctorate is among Birzeit University's highest honors,
Saba Yemen
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Barghouti.. 24 years inside Israeli jails
Ramallah - Saba: On Tuesday, prisoner Marwan Barghouti enters his 24th year in Israeli prisons, amid escalating Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and prisoners in its jails. The Palestinian Prisoners' Club said in a statement on Tuesday that this anniversary comes at a time of greatest bloodshed for the Palestinian people, as the Israeli enemy continues its systematic genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. The Prisoners' Club noted that since the beginning of the war of extermination, prisoners and leaders of the prisoners' movement, including Barghouti, have been subjected to unprecedented levels of abuse, isolation, theft, torture, and assault. It explained that the prison system has deliberately entrenched all its tools to target our prisoners, deny them their rights, and strip them of what they have achieved through blood and sacrifice. Barghouti, along with his comrades, has been subjected to repeated isolation and transfers, and according to the latest information, he is currently being held in solitary confinement in Ramon Prison. It explained that during his repeated transfers and isolation, he was subjected to repeated attacks by repression units, along with a group of leaders of the prisoners' movement. The Palestinian Prisoners' Club emphasized that these measures and policies, which the Israeli enemy escalated after October 7, 2023, and which did not arise today, constitute a pattern and extension of its repressive and retaliatory policies since its occupation of our land, during which hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been subjected to arrest, abuse, and torture. It should be noted that Barghouti was born in 1959 in the town of Kobar, northwest of the Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate. He was arrested for the first time in 1976, then re-arrested by the Israeli enemy for the second time in 1978, and for the third time in 1983. After his release in 1983, he enrolled at Birzeit University and was elected president of the student council for three consecutive years. He was re-arrested by the Israeli enemy again in 1984 for a short period, followed by a subsequent arrest in 1985, which lasted for 50 days. During this time, he was subjected to harsh interrogation, placed under house arrest, and subsequently placed under administrative detention that same year. On April 15, 2002, after a long manhunt, Israeli forces arrested him in the Al-Irsal neighborhood of Ramallah. He was sentenced to five life sentences and forty years in prison in 2004. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)
Al Jazeera
12-04-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Gaza: Recording attacks as an act of resistance
The renewal of Israel's genocidal assault on Gaza has unleashed yet more death, destruction and displacement, but Palestinians remain determined to make the world witness their plight. Contributors: Shahd Abusalama – Palestinian scholar and artist Omer Bartov – Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies, Brown University Abdaljawad Omar – Lecturer, Birzeit University; writer and analyst The 2024 United States presidential race was the first 'podcast' election – and given the millions of views and votes a podcast appearance can bring, it won't be the last. Ryan Kohls reports on the allure of – and the problems with – the political podcast interview. Featuring: Susie Banikarim – Media strategist and consultant Max Tani – Media editor, Semafor Cenk Uygur – Creator and host, The Young Turks
