Bethlehem University
Bethlehem University
Bethlehem University is the only Catholic university in Palestine with faculties of Arts, Science, Business Administration, Nursing, Education. It is also an Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism. The Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences has an outstanding reputation. The University is building a new facility which will help the Faculty enhance its standing. Bethlehem University is an oasis of peace and a beacon of hope. It provides quality higher education to the people of Palestine.
History
The University is the first established in the West Bank, and can trace its roots to the 19th century. The De La Salle Christian Brothers opened schools in Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Jaffa, Nazareth, Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt.
It was during the historic visit of Pope Paul VI to the Holy Land in 1964. Palestinians expressed their desire to establish a university in their homeland. After consultation and study, in 1972 the Apostolic Delegate, Archbishop Pio Laghi, formed a committee of local community leaders to establish an institution of higher learning. This institution would offer a broad and practical university education in arts and sciences. Meeting, as a result, the needs of the Palestinian society.
On 1 October 1973, 112 students were enrolled as the founding class of Bethlehem University. It now has over 3,000 students and boasts more than 17,000 graduates.
The University’s story is one of people committed to pursuing higher education. Working together in hope, and building towards a more just future.
Mission
Bethlehem University is a Catholic co-educational institution in the Lasallian tradition whose mission is to provide quality higher education to the people of Palestine. To serve them in its role as a center for the advancement, sharing and use of knowledge.
The University emphasizes excellence in academic programs and the development of students. They become committed people prepared to assume leading positions in society. The University fosters shared values, moral principles, and dedication to serving the common good.
The project supported by The Caritas Pro Vitae Gradu Charitable Trust
The Caritas Pro Vitae Gradu Charitable Trust provides financial support to the Cardinal Foley Hall Project which will house the Tarek Juffali Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences. The Caritas Pro Vitae Gradu Charitable Trust’s initial support is for furniture and equipment for the new Cardinal Foley Hall, and then later it will provide help to the faculty development programs. This project further enhances Bethlehem University as the leading health education center in Palestine. The Cardinal Foley Hall is expected to become fully operational in 2020.