Al-Quds University celebrated the lighting of the Christmas tree, marking the start of the Christmas celebrations and embodying the university’s mission to promote the values of unity, love, and hope, with the participation of religious figures, representatives of official and civil institutions, and university staff and students, organized by the Deanship of Student Affairs and Christian students at the university.

In his speech, University President Prof. Hanna Abdolnour expressed his joy on this day, which he described as a blessed day in which the lights of Christmas shine as a path to peace, truth, and life, emphasizing that the lighting of the tree at Al-Quds University is a message of hope that illuminates hearts and expresses the spirit of giving.

He said: “The university has been and continues to be a tree of knowledge with roots in Jerusalem, bearing generations of scholars and distinguished individuals.” calling on its students to be models of hard work and high morals, and to carry the university’s message based on knowledge, coexistence, and respect, hoping that peace will replace war and that security and tranquility will prevail throughout the world.

For his part, Patriarch Michel Sabbah affirmed that human beings are brothers and sisters regardless of their religion or background, and that religions are not barriers that separate people, but bridges that bring them together in love and respect. He noted that this celebration at Al-Quds University reflects the true meaning of human brotherhood, which the world needs today more than ever.

Father Ibrahim Faltas, Custos of the Holy Land, expressed his happiness at attending the celebration, emphasizing that this day carries profound messages with its symbolism and uniqueness, and that Christmas is a unifying holiday that brings the world together on the values of love and peace. He praised the role of Al-Quds University in promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence.

Dr. Juma Abu Fakhida congratulated the Christian community on the occasion of Christmas, praising the university’s high academic standards and its national and community role, emphasizing that it has always been and continues to be a university of brotherhood, unity, and belonging.

Student Christian Roman delivered a speech on behalf of the Christian students, saying that the gathering of everyone at a university bearing the name of Jerusalem, the city of brotherhood, holiness, ascension, and mi’raj, reflects a profound national and spiritual message. He added: “The lighting of the tree today is an expression of one people, one land, and one destiny, in which Muslims and Christians together hold an olive branch as a symbol of steadfastness, love, and peace.”

The ceremony included musical performances by Al-Quds University band and performances by the scouts to mark the start of the Christmas celebrations, as well as a tribute to the attendees.