At an official ceremony at His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Abdul Aziz Theatre on Sunday, July 7, 2013, An-Najah National University awarded Mr. Joseph Blatter, President of the International Federation of Association Football "FIFA", a Honorary Doctorate Degree in Sports Management for his pioneering role in supporting sporting activities globally. A position he has carried out with the utmost diligence, fostering a spirit of understanding and tolerance among all people around the world, including the support of social issues such as freedom, justice and democracy. During the ceremony, Mr. Blatter expressed sympathy with the Palestinian cause, and that he was visiting Palestine for the fifth time in order to help alleviate the suffering caused by the occupation on sport and on athletes in Palestine, having already facilitated Palestine’s membership of FIFA in 1999. The degree was awarded by Prime Minister Prof. Rami Hamdallah,  Dr. Hani Al-Nabulsi, a member of the Board of Trustees of the University, and Prof. Dr. Maher Abu Eid, Acting President of the University.

In addition to the aforementioned, the ceremony was also attended by His Royal Highness Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, the Vice president of the International Federation of Football,  Major General Mr. Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Federation of Football, and Abbas Issa, Assistant Head AFC. Palestinian, Arab, and global sports figures were present at the event, in addition to the many representatives of the diplomatic community working in Palestine.

The start of the ceremony was presided over by Prof. Dr. Khalil Odeh, Dean of the Faculty of Arts at An-Najah National University. The University’s chorus also participated, led by Dr. Ghawi Michel Ghaw, performing songs such as "Come back, I am you" and other national songs, winning praise from the audience.

Address by the Prime Minister:

The Prime Minister, Prof. Rami Hamdallah, gave a speech in which he thanked Mr. Blatter and His Highness Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein for their important visit to Palestine, His Excellency Mr. President Mahmoud Abbas for hosting them, and Major General Jibril Rajoub for his tireless efforts in supporting sport in Palestine.

Prof. Hamdallah spoke about the importance of sport in transcending borders and promoting peace and love amongst the people, acknowledging Mr. Blatter’s support for the sport locally and globally. Prof. Hamdallah affirmed sport as a symbol of statehood for Palestinians, praising the role of FIFA in allowing Palestine to participate on an international scale and for its endeavors in helping to remove the obstacles held in place under the occupation.

He also emphasized the University’s continued interest in following the values set forth by FIFA, having developed a Faculty of Sports during his tenure as University President, providing state of the art facilities to the nation regardless of gender of physical ability.

At the end of his speech, Prof. Hamdallah expressed his pride in granting the Honorary Doctorate to Mr. Blatter for his commitment and sympathy with the Palestinian cause, stating “May your work with Palestine continue, and may Palestine continue to fulfil and enrich the statutes set forth by yourself and Fifa.”

Board of Trustees of the University:

Dr. Hani Al-Nabulsi, a member of the Board of Trustees of An-Najah National University, delivered a speech in which he welcomed the guests at the University adding: “We are happy to see these elite sports figures visit Palestine, joining us on this great occasion. An-Najah National University is working in collaboration and partnership with institutions and non-governmental organizations in Palestine to support all sports and cultural activities, despite the occupation, the barriers and injustices suffered. We lay the foundation for a promising future that will bring all of us freedom and independence, and the establishment of our independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital, led by President Mahmoud Abbas.”

Nabulsi further expressed his thanks and appreciation to Major General Jibril Rajoub for his efforts in supporting sporting activities in Palestine and their impact in highlighting Palestine’s political situation. He also sent greetings and appreciation to His Excellency the Governor of Nablus Mr. Hebrin Bakri, and Mayor Ghassan Shaka, and all other institutions and non-governmental organizations working to support and promote these activities. He also greeted the leaders of international sports accompanied by Mr. Joseph Blatter in his visit to Palestine. 

Prof. Maher Abu Eid, Acting President of An-Najah National University welcomed all attendees on behalf of the University, expressing his delight at the presence of such prestigious figures from Palestine, the Arab countries, and the world. He added: “An-Najah National University is a beacon of science and education in Palestine and is honored by your presence in this day of the President of the International Federation of Association Football, Joseph Blatter, and his accompanying delegation, and we are confident that this visit is in support of sport and the athletes in Palestine, and is a sign of hope in alleviating the injustices suffered by Palestinians under the circumstances, particularly athletes.” Once again, Dr. Maher thanked Major General Jibril Rajoub, for his extraordinary efforts in support of sport in Palestine and his continued work in providing opportunities to Palestinians in local, Arab, and international arenas.

Dr. Natsheh also affirmed An-Najah’s role in the development of sport in the locality, highlighting its prowess as having the largest  and most modern equipped Faculty of Physical Education in Palestine, where students can obtain either bachelor’s or Master’s degrees. The University has participated in numerous sporting events inside and outside of Palestine, and received many awards for football, basketball, tennis, and athletics. 

Major General Jibril Rajoub, welcomed Mr. Blatter in his visit to Palestine, and His Highness Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, thanking An Najah National University for its initiative in granting Mr. Blatter an honorary doctorate degree. He expressed his sincere happiness at the presence of Mr. Blatter in Palestine, and thanked him for his support and help in assisting Palestinians in their objectives of participating within the global sporting arena.

President of FIFA:

In his speech, Mr. Blatter thanked An-Najah National University for the awarding of the degree and expressed his pride in receiving such recognition from a major Palestinian University with such a renowned worldwide reputation. He thanked the Palestinian people for the warm welcome, plus Prime Minister Prof. Rami Hamdallah and Major General Rajoub on their welcoming speeches. 

Blatter confirmed his permanent quest in supporting the Palestinian cause, noting that he will continuously highlight the suffering of the Palestinian people to Israeli, and work to resolve the issues confronted. Blatter stressed the importance of sport in bringing people together, and its ability to break down barriers, a principle FIFA stands by.

Finally, Blatter stressed his love for Palestine, saying: “My heart beats like a Palestinian, and I will work for the rights of the Palestinian people.”