Al-Istiqlal University, represented by its President, Prof. Dr. Saleh Abu Osba, inaugurated the capital’s cultural market exhibition “Canaanite Roots”, in cooperation with the office of the Ministry of Culture / Jericho, at the Terra- Santa School, in the presence of Maj. Gen. Jihab Abu Al-Asal, the Governor of Jericho and the Jordan Valley, Mr. Salem Ghrouf, the Mayor of Jericho, Dr. Rajaa Sweidan, the deputy for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Halasa, the Dean of Scientific Centers, Dr. Mohammed Abdo, the Director of the Center for Community Service and Continuing Education, Ms. Mayson Salameh, the Director of the Culture Office, and many representatives of the Security Services, and University students.
Prof. Dr. Abu Osba said, “This occasion demonstrates our steadfastness in the face of the Israeli narrative in light of the continuous attempts and fierce attack it faces to obliterate the cultural conscience, and to abolish the Palestinian presence from the global map, and that Al-Istiqlal University will remain the intellectual incubator and supportive partner for all societal activities."
Furthermore, Maj. Gen. Abu Al- Asal conveyed the greetings of HE President Mahmoud Abbas, congratulating all the members and organizers of the event, which perpetuates the Palestinian identity, despite the relentless efforts of the occupation to erase it, and that the Palestinians will not tolerate or give up on it, until the establishment of the Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Moreover, Mr. Ghrouf said “Today we celebrate our right to the land, and Jericho will remain a title for the Palestinian cause through its religious and civilizational landmarks that express the successive ages and the history of the vanished nations, and a symbol of peace, love, fraternal coexistence, the interconnected social fabric, constants and values rooted behind our national leadership.
Also, Ms. Salameh commended the efforts of the school staff and the participants in commemorating this anniversary, which perpetuates customs and traditions, the folklore, and supports the local product, works and handicrafts, to enrich the cultural scene in light of globalization and the current intellectual invasion.
For her part, Ms. Nadia Rabea, the representative of the Directorate of Education / Jericho, thanked "Terra-Santa School" for this distinguished hosting, saying that the school is the source of knowledge, besides mentioning the importance of this exhibition in strengthening educational foundations in general and building the positive mental system for students in particular.
Father Mario Hadchiti, the Director of Terra- Santa School, welcomed the attendees, noting that "our presence now confirms the saying of Dr. Saeb Erekat, no matter how bad the circumstances are for our people, history remains rooted in their souls, and the city of the moon is the best model for preserving the Palestinian heritage, which is passed down by generations, young and old," offering his deepest condolences on the death of The poet Majid Al-Dajani, one of the Palestinian figures of the literary movement.
In conclusion, Al-Istiqlal University, in cooperation with the Culture Office, presented shields of appreciation to Father Hadchiti, the Directorate of Education, and the National Ensemble for Folklore Arts - National Security.