Brother Jack Curran, F.S.C., at Bethelehem University has asked us to post this news release about the detention of a Bethelehem University student.
Seeking HELP for a Bethlehem University Student
28 October 2009
Earlier today we learned that Ms. Berlanty Azzam, a 4th year student enrolled at Bethlehem University, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Translation, is now being held in detention by the Israeli military authorities.
The Israeli Military authorities are holding this 4th year Christian student in the Sharon Detention Center near Netanya in Israel and are threatening to “deport her’ to Gaza “for trying to complete her studies at Bethlehem University.” Berlanty is originally from Gaza, but she has been living in the West Bank since 2005, after she received a travel permit from the military to cross from Gaza to the West Bank.
Berlanty is a 4th year student, seeking to complete her bachelors degree – but today she was arrested by the Israeli military at a checkpoint while traveling from one part of the West Bank to another part of the West Bank. The Israeli military has banned Palestinian residents of Gaza from studying at Palestinian universities in the West Bank.
We need your help. Berlanty needs your help!
What can you do to help? Right now, please send a letter to the Israeli military authorities by email or by fax (+972 3 697 6306) and let them know that you demand that they release Berlanty Azzam immediately so that she can resume and complete her last year of studies at the Vatican-sponsored Bethlehem University.
Tim Reidy
The other option is to grant her a scholarship at one of the many Jesuit colleges and universities around the world. Boston College and Holy Cross come to mind, as do the many schools named Loyola. I would suggest sending her to New Orleans as no sane person would go to Boston from Palestine unless they want to spend the winter on sick call.