The Public Relations Department - An Najah University, in partnership with the Research Journalism Initiative (RJI), organized on February 24, 2009, the latest in a series of videoconferences between students and professors of An Najah National University and their colleagues in the United States and Europe. The conference, moderated by Mr. Sa’ed Abu-Hijleh, paired a diverse group of students from An Najahwith the students of the upper-level seminar, “Witnessing War, Occupation and Displacement: Iraq, Colombia, Palestine” at Ithaca College in New York. This is the second videoconference facilitated by Beth Harris of Ithaca College and RJI in partnership with An-Najah National University.

All of the participating students showed remarkable poise as they explored controversial topics in an earnest, open dialogue. The students of Ithaca College were prepared with thoughtful questions gleaned from their ongoing research, and took full advantage of the opportunity to discuss these issues critically, free of the filters typical of traditional news media.

Topics discussed included daily experiences of life in Palestine, including barriers to travel and the right to education; and a framework for a viable solution to the Palestinian issue in the Middle East.

Qossay Abu-Zaytoun, volunteer in Zajel “Youth Exchange Program” of the Public Relations Department, said: “It was my delight to have had this opportunity to take part in this video conference with the students from Ithaca College, as we had the chance to discuss and go through our various opinions about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Knowing that this is a rare opportunity to have direct contact with the average American without any borders to have a free mind to mind, soul to soul discussion to break the stereotypes that are imbedded in our subconscious through the numerous elements.

Students at An-Najah were also able to challenge the group in New York regarding double standards in respect of international human rights law through this exercise students at An-Najah were also able to challenge the group in New York, particularly regarding double standards in respect of the values eschewed from International Human Rights law.

Most notably, the conversation concluded amidst an exchange of ideas and resources for cooperative action between the two groups of students. Beth Harris made it clear that her students are looking to their counterparts in Palestine for leadership and guidance as they formulate strategies and organize to take an action and make a change. The success of this event adds momentum to the growing cooperation between An-Najah National University, the Research Journalism Initiative, and participating academic institutions and individuals in Palestine and around the globe.