“In the heart of our university, there is a large sign in red that reads ‘we love Jerusalem.’  This sign echoes the Palestinian people’s feelings and grip on Jerusalem" - Al Quds University President Imad Abu Kishek. (Photo courtesy of Al-Quds University)  

CAIRO, December 3, 2017 (WAFA0 - Al-Quds University, the only Palestinian university in occupied East Jerusalem, won first place as the most socially responsible university in the Arab world at the “Annual International Competition on Civic Engagement”, organized by The American University in Cairo (AUC), an Al Quds University press release said on Sunday.

University President Imad Abu Kishek congratulated the university’s community and the Palestinian people on this achievement.

“This is recognition of Al-Quds University’s incessant contributions to the Palestinian community, especially to the alleviation of the hardships endured by Palestinians living in occupied East Jerusalem,” he said.

Several Arab universities participated in the competition, the final round of which was held at AUC’s campus in Cairo. Assistant President for Development and Innovation Issam Ishaq represented Al-Quds University at the ceremony.

The recognition of Al-Quds University comes as it is undertaking a number of initiatives to help the Palestinian community in Jerusalem withstand measures imposed by the Israeli authorities that are, according to several international organizations, intended to displace Palestinians from the occupied Old City of  Jerusalem and alter the city’s demographics.

By imposing high taxes, denying building permits, and insisting on discriminatory residence revocations on the Arab population, Israeli authorities are using these measures to drive Palestinians out of the city.

Annually, Al-Quds University allocates close to $6 million of its budget in educational, legal, social and cultural services to Palestinian Jerusalemites.

One such initiative is that of Al-Quds University’s Community Action Center’s pro bono legal services from which thousands of Palestinians have benefited. For its legal services to Palestinians, its run and care of a public library in the Old City as well as its Center for Jerusalem Studies, the jury awarded Al-Quds University first place.

 “In the heart of our university, there is a large sign in red that reads ‘we love Jerusalem.’  This sign echoes the Palestinian people’s feelings and grip on Jerusalem. Being granted first place in this international competition is a stern reminder of our commitment and how we will never stop working there,” Abu Kishek said.

Al-Quds University (AQU) is a collegiate research university based in Jerusalem, Palestine.  Established in 1984 as, AQU currently offers 93 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, taught through its 15 degree-granting faculties.

M.K.