An-Najah National University and in cooperation with the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem organized today at Zafer Al-Masri Auditoriums at the University's Old Campus the first symposium on "Mapping American Studies in Palestine".  The symposium was attended by Prof. Phillip Hosay, Expert in American Studies, Public Diplomacy, and International-Cultural Exchange at New York University, Ms. Cynthia Harvey, Cultural Affairs Officer at U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem,  a number of U.S. Consulate General staff, Dr. Nabil Alawi of the University's  English Department, Mr. Ala' Abu Dheer, Acting Director of the Public Relations Department at An-Najah, a number of the International Relations Office's staff at An-Najah University, academics and participants from An-Najah and other Palestinian universities.

Mr. Ala' Abu Dheer welcomed the participants to the symposium which comes as a first step to establish the American Studies Center at An-Najah.  It is planned that the Center will offer number of courses on American culture, history and politics, he said.  Dr. Nabil Alawi talked about the American history and role of the US in the world. He praised the ongoing cooperation between An-Najah and the US Consulate in Jerusalem to promote cultural dialogue, cooperation and friendship between the Palestinians and Americans.

Ms. Cynthia Harvey expressed her delight for participation in the event.  Ms. Harvey talked about the US Consulate's continuous support to higher education in Palestine.  She said that there is an ongoing cooperation between An-Najah and the US Consulate through offering scholarships and grants.  She pointed out that the establishment of the American Studies Center at An-Najah will be a platform to present the American culture, politics, and history.

Dr. Phillip Hosay thanked the University for hosting this symposium, and invited all attendants to ask why United Stated must be understood first.  Dr. Hosay said that United States is involved in the daily life of the Middle East through pursuing policies and actions since it is the "most powerful" and "richest nation" in the world.  Dr. Hosay also talked about the complexities in decision making in the USA and the process of reconciliation and American diversity and its connections to US national unity.

It is worth noting that the symposium continued over two sessions with participants from different academic institutions on different subjects in the American studies such as public diplomacy, future of the foreign American policies, American and Palestinian relations and other related issues. The other presenters were: from Al Quds University, Dr. Mohammed Dajani, Ms. Zeina Barakat and Dr. Wafa Darwish; from Bethlehem University, Dr. Mazen Qumsiyeh and from Hebron University Dr. Imad Bishtawi. From the U.S. Consulate, Mr. David Smith, and Dr. Amanda Pilz, Deputy Political Section Chief. Representing An-Najah National University was visiting professor Dr. Paul Edleman, Dr. Hadeel Qazzaz, and Mr. Sa’ed Abu Hijlah. A final session was held to discuss the symposium's papers and present recommendations.