The Palestinian Birthright Initiative

             

Municipal Theater

المسرح البلدي

Ramallah Municipal House

دار بلدية رام الله

Co-sponsors

PACC, New Jersey

Lady of the Earth Foundation

 

Conference Objectives:

1. Describe the current conditions of the Palestinian people living under occupation, and how they are surviving.
2. Develop cooperation and linkages between Palestinians around the world.
3. Define the role of the youth in Palestine and the Diaspora in building the new State of Palestine.
4. Strengthen the KTH delegates’ knowledge of their Palestinian identity, culture, history, and traditions.
5. Improve the KTH delegates’ understanding of the Palestinian economic environment, political landscape, and social structures.
6. Ensure that the Palestinians in the Diaspora feel connected to Palestine by creating connections and building relationships them and those living in Palestine.
7. Provide youth with the necessary skills and tools to remain in continuous connection with their peers, roots, heritage, and homeland, and to act as Ambassadors of Peace.
8. Make the Palestinian Birthright a reality, not only in spirit but also on-the-ground

Program in Progress

08:30 am – 09:30 am	Registration
9:30am – 9:40am	Mr. Rateb Y. Rabie,  President/CEO, Know Thy Heritage, Inc. Welcoming Remarks and Introduction to the Conference
9:40am -10:30am	Palestine Welcomes her Youth H.E. Laila Ghannam, Governor of Ramallah and Al-Biereh Osama Quasmeh, Chairman of Diaspora Committee of PNC Jennifer Saba, KTH Delegates Message and Presentation, Sheikh Maher Assaf, Imam and preacher Archbishop Atallah Hanna, Archbishop of Sebaste
10:30am – 11:45am	Countering Negative Practices in Jerusalem and the American Stand on Jerusalem: Local, Regional, and International Responses Moderator: Mrs. Claudette Habesch Former Secretary General, CARITAS Jerusalem Dr. Rami Nasrallah, Chairman, International Peace & Cooperation Center (IPCC) H.E. Ambassador Hind Khoury H.E. Fadi Hidmi, Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Much is being done to change and endanger the status quo of Jerusalem which has held for at least 265 years. The Israeli authorities are in a rush to alter the character of the Holy City through various Judaization schemes, such as changing the names of Arab neighborhoods and streets from Arabic to Hebrew and evicting of Palestinian families as in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan. U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s eternal capital and moving the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem complicated matters. This panel will examine what can be done to counteract the negative.
11:45am – 12:00pm	Coffee Break
12:00pm – 01:00pm	The Status of the Economy in Palestine Moderator: Mr. Mahir Alawneh, Strategic Innovation Catalyst Mr. Raed Saadeh, Development and Tourism Expert/Consultant Mr. Abdo Idrees, President Hebron, Chamber of Commerce and Industry The Palestinian economy faces many unique challenges but also has a huge potential for growth. This panel will present the current and projected state of the Palestinian. The panel utilizes the experience of leaders in Palestine We will hear from representatives in, tourism, information technology, Trade, and Banking.
01:00pm – 2:00pm	Lunch
02:00pm – 03:00pm	Palestinian Women’s Sacrifices for Palestine Moderator: Dr. Faten Shelbayeh, KTH Vice President Ms. Nida’ Ibrahim, Correspondent for Al Jazeera Dr. Dalal Saeb Erakat, Vice President of International Relations, Arab American University, Palestine Palestinian women have served as the guardians of Palestinian identity and presence through which they have empowered and inspired their families, peers, the nation at large. A prime example is Shireen Abu Akleh, the Palestinian-American journalist who was shot and killed while covering an Israeli military raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank. Her life’s work speaks of dedication, integrity, and truth in reporting, which are critical aspects of the responsable media. This panel will address how women in Palestine and the Diaspora are speaking truth to power and how they are mobilizing themsleves and others as active champions of justice, peace, equality, and prosperity.
3:30pm to 5:00pm	The Nation-Building Role of Palestinians Global: Round Table Discussion Moderator: Mr. Sam Bahour, Writer, businessperson, activist. Managing Partner, Applied Information Management (AIM) Dr. Mohamed K. Ghumrawi, Adjunct  Professor, International Relation, Florida International Universisty (FIU) Mr. Rami Nasereddin, Executive Director, Pal Vision, Jerusalem Dr. Lana Shehadeh,  Assistant Professor, Arab American University Professor John Dabeet, President, US Palestinian Council Palestine develops from the common vision, joint action, and resources of many who care about their homeland and the solidarity and support of their friends from  around the world. The Palestinian Diaspora brings a wealth of experience and expertise as well as a huge network of committed professionals who can play a significant role in various fields, including culture, business, politics, and the media. This roundtable, consisting of presenters from Palestine and the Diaspora, will examine how they can work together to support Palestine’s growth and development.

Where We Go from Here?
Closing Ceremonies and Commendation
Presentations of Palestine Keys