The Arabic Language Department at the University hosted Dr. Alberto Nazzal from Santiago (Chile), who presented a lecture on the Palestinian presence in Latin America and their involvement in the social, political and economical development of the region since their immigration there three generations ago. Dr. Nazzal mentioned that the total number of Palestinians in Latin America now extends to three hundred thousand. The first waves of immigration started in the 19th century during Ottoman rule. The emigration to Latin America increased after the war of 1948, at which time most of those who emigrated were Muslims.
Dr. Nazzal noted that Palestinians in Latin America are sympathetic to the plight of their compatriots in Palestine and would very much like to strengthen the relationships with their people and reconnect with their roots in Palestine.