Under the patronage of His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen), An-Najah National University conferred more than 2200 degrees to its undergraduate and graduate classes.
of 2009 during the graduation week from 11-14 June 2009.  The commencement week kicked off on today with the graduation of the College of Honor.  The ceremony was attended by representatives of the Palestinian government, international organizations, diplomatic missions, religious leaders, families and friends of students.  The ceremony was held in HRH Prince Turki Theatre at the University's New Campus.

Graduates heard from a variety of speakers, including H.E. Mr. Sabeeh Al Masri, Chair of the University's Board of Trustees, Prof. Rami Hamdallah, University's President, and H.E. Dr. Saeb Erikat, Head of the PLO Negotiations Department, as a representative of HE President Mahmoud Abbas.

Mr. Al Masri said that it is a great honor to share students and families their graduation ceremony after they have  finished one of the most important stages in their life, so they will join the procession of science, knowledge and culture.  He also praised the active role done by the former Chair of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Salah Al Masri, and the active role of the University's President to develop the University with great and dedicated efforts.  He addressed the graduates saying they are standing at the doors of the future that they will build with their persistence, education and belonging to their homeland.

In his speech, President Rami Hamdallah said that a commencement ceremony is celebrated at time as we celebrate Jerusalem as a "Capital of Arab Culture." This culture has no time and place or limits; a culture of qualifying a new generation that holds responsibility for the future, and it is capable to give and continue work in order to achieve the dream of establishing the Palestinian State.

President Hamdallah went through the University's procession and its plans for a promising future.  Prof. Hamdallah  congratulated the graduates, their parents, families and the University with this elite group.

President Hamdallah noted that the University is keen to maintain the outstanding level of academic programs through the adoption of quality and excellence and encouraging scientific research. He said that An-Najah is constantly reviewing academic programs to match the latest international standards.
“The university is sending outstanding students to obtain a master's degree and doctorate degrees to enhance the scientific competence of the University,” he said.

He mentioned that An-Najah is committed to serve to needs of the local community through its scientific centers which work to prepare studies and technical consultancy to government institutions and non-governmental organizations in various fields.  He said the University always continues with students after graduation through the services of the University’s Career Unit.

Speaking on behalf of President Abbas, Dr. Erikat acknowledged the University's impressive achievements since its inception.  He praised An-Najah's commitment to academic excellence in Palestine.  He said that An-Najah has been making a valuable contribution to the Palestinian cultural and intellectual discourse, wishing all graduates to be part of the coming stages of establishing the Palestinian state. 

In the political situation, Dr. Erikat said the Palestinian people are facing a very difficult and challenging time and they must unite all efforts to advance the Palestinian cause.  He also mentioned that President Abu Mazen was recently in the United States and he met with President Obama who told him that the establishment of a Palestinian state is the supreme interest of the U.S.

Speaking on behalf of the graduating students, Mr. Mahmoud Salah said that he is pleased to be here on behalf of his colleagues.  He expressed the deepest thanks and gratitude to University for its continuing efforts in the preparation of generations of scholars with scientific competence to contribute in meeting the needs of Palestinian people in various fields.