In cooperation with the Alternative Tourism Groups in Beit Sahour, An Irish delegation visited the University and the city of Nablus on Thursday, February 22nd. The visit was facilitated by the Zajel Youth Exchange Program of the Public Relations Department at the University, and led by the coordinator of the Zajel Youth Exchange Program, Alaa Yousef.
The delegation arrived at the University shortly after 10 AM and was escorted by local Zajel volunteers to a classroom near the library. There the delegation was greeted by Mr. Yousef and given a brief overview of the history of the university as well as the effects of the Israeli imposed siege on the lives of the university faculty and student body. The visitors were told how in 2002 a long term curfew was imposed against the city of Nablus and the city's residents were forced to stay in their flats for few months, only being allowed to leave for four hours every week in order to purchase food, which was not available as a result of the siege.
The next portion of the presentation was given by a recent graduate of An-Najah's Department of Computer Science, Ashraf Ahmad. Mr. Ahmad presented to the Irish delegation his research project on the Huwwara checkpoint which was established in October of 2000 as the major passage between Nablus and Ramallah. The visitors learned that there are 500 checkpoints in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip and 27 permanently staffed checkpoints throughout the West Bank. Beyond the system of checkpoints, Mr. Ahmad explained other ways in which the Israelis impose restrictions on Palestinian movement including the use of concrete stacks, earth mounds, and large trenches. The study provided statistical evidence showing the inhumane treatment of the Palestinians at checkpoint queues including outrageous queue times as well as prohibiting the passage of ambulances which forces mothers to give birth at checkpoints and also causing the death of Palestinians who may be in critical condition. The Irish delegation was extremely impressed with the informative presentation and displayed their gratitude with a long round of applause.
The local Zajel volunteers then escorted the Irish visitors to their tour bus, where they were driven to the old city of Nablus. A tour was led through the old city by Mr. Yousef with the assistance of the Zajel volunteers. The visitors viewed monuments devoted to local martyrs, visited a small toffee factory, and also were able to view the oldest building in the city of Nablus. After viewing historical sites in the old city, the visitors had lunch at a restaurant nearby where they enjoyed traditional Palestinian food. After lunch the visitors were given a bus tour of the Askar Refugee Camp, where a local volunteer explained to them the plight of those who live in the refugee camp. The tour was concluded at the refugee camp. As the bus departed the Irish visitors waved appreciatively to the local Zajel volunteers. It was clear a bond had been formed between the visitors and the volunteers.
International visits to Nablus give those not affected by occupation a chance to see and hear the testimonies of those who suffer the affliction of Israeli occupation. Helen, the organizer of the Irish visit, explained that "All of these people are individuals, not part of any specific organization, but just concerned citizens." Helen has arranged similar visits to Palestine in the past and said she will continue to arrange them in the future. "There is so much interest in the situation in Palestine throughout Ireland. People are very concerned with what is going on here and they genuinely want to help".
Robert, another of the Irish visitors explained that he was grateful to have the opportunity to visit Palestine and hoped that he could help to raise awareness when he gets back to Ireland. The most rewarding part of the trip for the visitors was interacting with the local volunteers. "Just getting a chance to meet the students and talk with them about their lives and struggles is rea.