Peaceful Resistance

Building a Palestinian University Under Occupation

By (author) Gabi Baramki

Publication date:

09 October 2009

Length of book:

232 pages

Publisher

Pluto Press

ISBN-13: 9781849644310

This book tells the remarkable story of Birzeit University, Palestine's oldest university in the Occupied Territories.

Founded against the backdrop of occupation, it is open to all students, regardless of income. Putting the study of democracy and tolerance at the heart of its curriculum, Birzeit continues to produce idealistic young people who can work to bring about a peaceful future.

Gabi Baramki explains how the University has survived against shocking odds, including direct attacks where Israeli soldiers have shot unarmed students. Baramki himself has been dragged from his home at night, beaten and arrested. Yet Birzeit continues to thrive, putting peace at the heart of its teaching, and offering Palestinians the opportunities that only education can bring.

Acknowledgements
Introduction
1. Growing Up in Palestine
2. Peace and War
3. Occupation and Education
4. Targeting Birzeit
5. Developing Birzeit
6. 'Cells of Illegal Education'
7. 'Shaking Off' and Being Shaken
8. Not Obeying Orders
10. Harassment and Hair Gel
11. Preaching to the Choir
Appendix i Chronology - Birzeit University
Appendix ii Deportation Statement from Hanna Nasir November 74
Appendix iii Israeli lies and half-truths 16 January 1979
Appendix iv Press release from BZU after 1979 closure
Appendix v BZU press release after opening in April 1992
Appendix vi Report from 5 Hebrew University professors
on order 854 - 1980
Appendix vii-a Example of Required loyalty oath. A Commitment form - 1982-3
Appendix vii-b work permit A with item 18 - 1980
Appendix vii-c work permit B without item 18 - 1980
Appendix viii Letter to Secretary Baker - March 1992
Location of Photograph and Maps
Map-Photograph Captions

'Gabi Baramki's tireless devotion to Birzeit University has allowed the institution to survive and even thrive against incredible odds'