A lecture was organized at An-Najah by Prof. David Link, the president of Healing and the Law/Washington D.C., who made a speech on human rights, democracy, and the American media.
Prof. Link, Emeritus Dean of the Law Faculty at Notre Dame University in Indiana, enlightened us on the importance of media in distorting the news from the Middle East. He explained how the news is distorted in the US about the wall. He emphasized the necessity of getting honest information to the American public. He explained the role of the anti-Palestinian lobbies which promote false information about the conflict. He stressed the role of youth from both cultures in making the difference. He encouraged the interaction between both American and Palestinian youth in order to have a better understanding of the conflict.
Also, Mr. Muhammad Al-Atar, the director of Palestinians for Peace and Democracy, an NGO from the USA, talked about the role of the Palestinian community in the states which devotes very much of its efforts in the media sphere, and does its best to clear the image of Palestinians and their struggle for freedom and independence.
A discussion on Israeli violations of human rights took place, where Prof. Link is convinced that Israel violates human rights, international law, and democratic principles.
Mr. Sami Al-Kilani, director of the Public Relations Department and director of the Human Rights and Democracy Center explained the situation that An-Najah National University goes through, and took the delegation on a tour of the campus. He explained all of the scientific achievements at the university despite the current situation.
A tour was organized to the Old City of Nablus for the American delegation. The Israeli policy of destroying many homes in the Old City was explained. Visits were organized to the old classic palaces, churches, and neighborhoods which were demolished by the Israeli occupation forces that invade the city constantly. The delegation got first hand information of the difficult situation the poor citizens of the Old City suffer.