Fundraising campaign for schools at risk of demolition launched by the Right to Education campaign

The Right to Education Campaign at Birzeit University launched the “End the Ongoing Nakba” fundraising campaign to support schools threatened with demolition by the Israeli occupation in Masafer Yatta and the suburbs of Jerusalem, territories classified as Area C according to the Oslo Accords.

Prior to launching the campaign, the Right to Education Campaign organized an event with the Stop the Wall campaign, where they screened a short documentary titled “The People of Masafer” by Palestinian director Manar Al-Tell. The film portrays the tragedy and resistance of the people of Masafer Yatta, shedding light on the ongoing ethnic cleansing and continuous displacement of Palestinians in this area since the Nakba in 1948. 

After the film screening, an open discussion was held featuring testimonies from Al-Tell; Ali Awad, community activist from Masafer Yatta; Mohammed Al-Harini, Birzeit University student and resident of Masafer Yatta; and Jamal Juma’a, human rights advocate and general coordinator of the Stop the Wall campaign. 

Juma’a explored the systematic policies employed by the Israeli occupation to uproot the people of Masafer, while Al-Tell shared her experience directing the documentary.

The Right to Education Campaign organized the event out of a firm belief in the role of university students in strengthening the resilience of Palestinians in Masafer Yatta and other areas in occupied Palestine who suffer from extremely difficult living conditions due to Israeli policies.

The proceeds of this campaign will be used to build and stock a library in Al-Majaz Elementary School, Masafer Yatta, and Al-Tahaddi School in Khirbet Um Salman, suburbs of Jerusalem.

The Birzeit University community and beyond can contribute to the campaign through cash and book donations. To get involved, please contact the coordinator of the Right to Education Campaign, Sondos Hammad, via email at right2edu@birzeit.edu.