Six students from the Maintenance and Restoration of Antiquities program at Al-Quds University’s Higher Institute of Archaeology have begun a specialized two-month academic and training program at the University of Palermo in Italy. The program aims to deepen their knowledge, develop their practical skills, and expand their experience in conserving tangible cultural heritage and restoring antiquities.

At the start of the visit, Professor Massimo Midiri, Rector of the University of Palermo, welcomed Al-Quds University students. The reception was attended by Dr. Ibrahim Abu Aamer; Carla Benelli, Cultural Heritage Protection Projects Officer at Pro Terra Sancta; Professor Fabio Mazzola, Vice-Rector for Education and Internationalization; Vincenzo Fumetta, Head of the Incoming Students Unit at the International Relations Office; and Professor Franco Palla, Coordinator of Educational Activities for the “Protecting Palestine” project. The meeting explored ways to strengthen academic and scientific cooperation between the two universities in the conservation and restoration of antiquities, as well as opportunities to further develop the partnership.

Dr. Ibrahim Abu Aamer conveyed greetings from Prof. Dr. Imad Abu Kishek, President of Al-Quds University, to the Rector of the University of Palermo. He reaffirmed Al-Quds University’s commitment to strengthening its academic, research, and training ties with Italian universities and institutions and to expanding cooperation in ways that benefit students and researchers and advance higher education and scientific research.

The visit takes place under the memorandum of understanding signed between Al-Quds University and the University of Palermo, putting into practice the opportunities it offers for academic and student exchanges, specialized training, and the development of scientific knowledge and practical skills.

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has also played a supportive role in advancing joint initiatives to protect Palestinian cultural heritage and promote specialized education and training in its conservation and restoration. The program offers students the opportunity to explore modern conservation and restoration practices, learn from specialists, and benefit from the University of Palermo’s academic and research environment.

The program marks a practical step toward establishing a sustainable academic partnership between the two universities by providing valuable opportunities for training and scholarly exchange. It also opens avenues for future cooperation in other academic and research fields, helping develop expertise in preserving Palestinian cultural heritage and strengthening Al-Quds University’s academic profile and international presence.