Bethlehem University Praises Professor

Dear Friends, Benefactors, and Alumni,

How is it that bad things happen to good people – and yet they in turn respond only with good deeds?  Don’t you find that sometimes you are simply amazed and in awe when you see people respond to evil with good deeds?  When this happens, when people who have been violated respond in gentleness and with integrity, I guess we can call these “grace-filled” people.

Professor Adnan Shqueir, Chair of the Biology Department at Bethlehem University and member of the faculty for 25 years, is such a “grace-filled” person.  Just last week, eight Israeli soldiers stormed into his home and rounded up his wife and two daughters for three hours.  Why? We do not know – still without explanation. 

What did Professor Shqueir do in response to this violent injustice foisted upon him and his family?  He came to the University the next morning as he has done so for the past 25 years, to teach his classes and to finalize the research findings he is presenting at the international environmental conference being held in Egypt this week.  His response to injustice, simply amazing – and grace-filled!

This week, on May 15^th, the Bethlehem University community gathered together with Lasallian educators around the globe in celebrating the Feast of Saint John Baptist De La Salle, Patron Saint of Teachers and Founder of the De La Salle Christian Brothers.  Professor Shqueir was among the honorees for his 25 years of dedicated educational service to the students entrusted to his care.

All teachers are people of commitment and dedication, deeply concerned for the students entrusted to their care.  Prof. Shqueir’s commitment and dedication to his students is remarkable, especially in the face of such tragic and humiliating unjust treatment.

Yes, with your support, Bethlehem University and its faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends are “grace-filled” people! We are most grateful to God for each of you and your generosity.  We count on your prayers – and promise to keep you in our prayers.

Blessings,

Brother Jack Curran