On Monday 5 March Professor Maher Natsheh, Acting President of An-Najah University, received Dr. Basel Ghattas, an Arab member of the Knesset.

Professor Natsheh welcomed Dr. Ghattas, thanking him and his delegation for visiting An-Najah. He then gave an overview on the University history, and academic programmes in bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.

Professor Natsheh went on to thank the Arab members of the Knesset for maintaining their contact with An-Najah University and encouraging the 1948 Palestinian students to pursue their education at An-Najah. He also talked about the facilities the University provides for the 1948 students, inviting high school students to visit the University and learn about the programmes on offer.

He further spoke about the international ranking the University has achieved, ranked first on the national level, eighth on the Arab level and is in the top 5% of higher education institutions around the world.

The two parties then discussed the possibilities of mutual cooperation between the University and Palestinian institutions in the 1948 territories, to urge students to attend An-Najah.

Dr. Ghattas expressed his thanks to the University for the hospitality, and applauded its role in providing the best educational services to Palestinians. Dr. Ghattas stated his admiration for the impressive achievements of the University and its educational and scientific facilities.

The meeting also included the screening of a short film about An-Najah entitled “A Success Story”, which was prepared by the Media Centre.

Afterwards, the two parties agreed on cooperation and mutual work so that the Palestinians of 1948 can attend An-Najah.

Notes:

-          The meeting was attended by Dr. Emad Dweikat, Dean of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Mr. Khaled Mufleh, Acting Director of Public Relations.

-          Dr. Ghattas visited the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, where Dr. Dweikat introduced him to the Faculty’s main achievements.

-          Dr. Basel Ghattas is a Christian Arab, originally from Rameh. He is a founder member of Balad Party in 1995. Having initially chosen not to run for the Knesset after Balad was founded; in 2012 Dr. Ghattas was placed third on the party's list for the 2013 Knesset elections.