Journalist Amira Hass in dialogue with Al-Hal:

Issue 114 - Volume 9 Issued by Media Development Center, University Since 2005

The Warmth of Palestine The circle is the best thing in the world. With a circle, it is of no import where it begins or where it ends, who comes first or who is last. What really matters is that it keeps on rolling…and as Palestinians we have many circles that we are satisfied with. Things may appear to be random and not well managed, but it works well for us. In recent days, at the height of the snow storm, with temperatures hitting a record of minus four degrees Centigrade, we witnessed individuals acting with resolve, diligence and gallantry, and institutions that shouldered their duty to serve human beings. They left their homes to rescue someone who had got stuck, to warm up someone who was cold, and to save a patient. Their warm hearts kept us warm and kept Palestine -- its , its , its shore and all its contours -- as warm as possible; warm because there are people who care and because the genius of the circle suits us. Thanks are extended to the institutions of our country and to all those who took the effort and trouble to keep the circle of life rolling. We hope that our other circles in health, education, planning and construction will also roll. Editor in Cheif

AL HAL - Tuesday 13/1/2015 4 PAGES INSIDE

Israeli Regional Expansion in Gas…Boycott [Campaign] “Taq Taq Taqieh” … A program that meets the , wins first place in the Arab world 02 Prepares for a Wave of Protests 03 demands of the child audience 04 for its [engagement] in the environment, recycling and clean energy The International Criminal Court … Israel faces the Palestinian Authority Bogeyman

Rahma Hajja condemned Israeli practices and services to Palestinians against Palestinians as war versus no more than USD 350 In a meeting of the Palestinian crimes, and it could result in million in imports permitted leadership held on the 31st continuous prosecution of Israeli from Palestinians; and finally, of December 2014, President political and military leaders.” the security aspect, which is asked: “Are As clarified by Shalhat, the being revised by the Palestinian you ready for the consequences accession of Palestine to leadership at present.” of joining the International international organizations, Criminal Court?” Everyone to take place at a later stage People will pay the price replied in the affirmative. according to an announcement Samira Halayqa, a member of And thus, the “battle” started by President Abbas, represents Parliament representing the once the PLO failed, on the international recognition of Change and Reform 30th of December 2014, to Palestine as a state that enjoys Bloc believes, “The Palestinian win approval for an Arab- rights and sovereignty. This is Authority is not prepared to face Palestinian draft resolution to rejected by Israel, in spite of the Israeli response, and does set a timetable for an end to Israeli claims that it supports the not have the right to respond the Israeli occupation of the establishment of a Palestinian in the first place.” She added: and the state via negotiations, also “The PA has taken this step and establishment of a Palestinian thwarted by Israel. was aware of the consequences state on the territories occupied beforehand. Countries that in 1967. Voting in favor of the Is the Palestinian support Israel are greater in proposed resolution in the UN number than those who support Security Council did not pass Authority ready? So Israel opened fire and the the PA. Therefore, the people will the required threshold. Even if pay the price of these actions.” it had done, the American veto Palestinian Authority declared its readiness. But is the PA really Halayqa told Al-Hal: “The PA was on standby. should not limit its options of ready? Are these declarations no of the Palestinian Democratic be also undertaken by Israel Israel launched a counter halting security coordination more than “hash tags” intended to Union party, told Al-Hal: “As a in its counter attack, Shalhat attack, starting with a freeze with Israel, of accession to influence public opinion nationally people we should not fear Israeli says: “Israel talks about other on the tax revenues of USD international organizations, or and internationally? Does the actions and the international measures, including putting 127 million levied on behalf of of applying to the International statement by Saeb Erakat, member community should shoulder pressure on countries that the Palestinian Authority, which Criminal Court or halting of the PLO Executive Committee, its responsibilities regarding provide aid to the PA in an represents about half of the negotiations, but should keep holding Israel responsible as an the potential consequences.” attempt to stop their assistance. Palestinian budget. This was the options open for the people.” opposed by the United States occupation force constitute a She ruled out the option of Although Israel has not because it “stirs up tensions”. threat to dismantle the Palestinian dismantling the PA on the announced that it will undertake Authority as some observers have Dismantling grounds that the PA is “an military retribution, there are interpreted? the Palestinian Authority achievement of the Palestinian expectations that it will pursue a ?What is Israel afraid of In response to these questions, What is Israel afraid of that makes Political analyst and writer Rafiq people and their struggle that campaign of pressure or pursue Executive Committee Awad told Al-Hal: “The resilience Israel attempts to undermine.” wanted individuals as a means it attack international initiatives member Mohammad Shtayyeh by Palestinians? Antoine of the Palestinian Authority Shtayyeh regards the freezing of to destroy the sovereignty of the told Al-Hal: “The Palestinian to Israeli economic, security tax revenues as a “temporary” Palestinian Authority. I have no Shalhat, Director of The Israeli people are prepared. This ‘luxury” Scene Supplement - Al-Mashad and political attacks is linked step. He added: “We have been idea how things may develop, occupation cannot stay forever to popular support and PLO through this in the past. It is a but Israel has a tendency to at the Palestinian Forum for and everything has a price.” He Israeli Studies (MADAR), told Al- adherence to its position, as collective punishment that Israel engage in appalling practices stressed, “The Palestinian people well as the impetus of an Arab cannot sustain for a long time. against the Palestinians, Hal that Palestine’s application need freedom and dignity by to join the International Criminal safety net.” He trusts that the Israel is trying to defend itself by especially at present with the ending the occupation; therefore Palestinian people can attempt attacking and we are prepared forthcoming general election. Court “opens the way for filing we as a people, the PA and litigation against Israel related to change their social life for that. On another level, it is It has always been the case in employees should be prepared through solidarity and domestic in Israel’s interests to retain the every election that Israeli parties to wars and military operations to pay the price.” conducted against Palestinians, economic programs. He did Palestinian Authority in such a compete with each other in their Shtayyeh clarified: “If necessary, not rule out that the PA may situation, i.e. an authority without extremism against Palestinians.” whether in the West Bank or we will reformulate the the Gaza Strip. Naturally, this dismantle itself, emphasizing: authority. Under this umbrella, Shtayyeh stressed: “Israel is an relationship with Israel from A to “The people are capable of Israel continues the confiscation enemy state and we can expect Court holds world politicians Z. There are three aspects: the accountable for alleged war creating a thousand Authorities of land and the building of anything and everything. The political, which is closed; the that will be in the hands of the settlements and is not interested question is how prepared we are crimes, especially when several economic, which is running in official reports issued by people, and not of Israel.” in dismantling the PA.” to pay the price of ending the one direction as Israel exports Zahira Kamal, general secretary On the other measures that can occupation.” international organizations have USD 4.1 billion in commodities Issue 114 - Volume 9 AL HAL - Tuesday 13/1/2015 02 Israeli Regional Expansion in Gas…Boycott [Campaign] Achievers Prepares for a Wave of Protests

Aref Hijawi Iliya Gharbieh

Hey failures! Welcome. Let me tell you about achievers. The date of January 5th marked the Mr. Failure, do you want to be first anniversary of the initial sealing of successful? Then go read books an agreement between the Palestine on self-improvement if you want. Electric Company (PEC) and Delek You may also want to read my Drilling - Noble Energy, an Israeli- article as it can save you the American alliance. This agreement effort. was signed in the official presence of Achievers are like Apollo 11 and the Palestinian Energy and Natural Saturn 5, which took the first man Resources Authority (PENRA). to step on the moon. Apollo 11 is According to the agreement, the a spaceship that weighs 50 tons, Israelis will provide the Palestine Power while Saturn is the rocket that Generation Co. (PPGC) with its needs lifted Apollo from earth, enabled for natural gas to fuel a future power its flight, and was disposed of plant in for a period of 20 years at rapidly after takeoff. This Saturn a value exceeding USD 1.2 billion. weighed 3000 tons. Opinions differ with regard to this issue; Mahmoud Nawajaa Haitham Daraghmeh Apollo is the vehicle housing all many believe that the agreement gives the technology, but it would not Israel the right to continue its theft no Palestinian sovereignty over the gas proceed with similar agreements to have been possible to get to the of Palestinian natural resources and that exists in their areas. Many experts import Israeli gas.” moon if it was not for the Saturn unfettered control over these resources have talked about drilling and the use Nawajaa highlighted that the proceeds rocket, which weighed 60 times since the time frame of the agreement is of the gas as a major inflow to the from Israeli gas sales to and more than Apollo. 20 years! This is also an indication that Palestinian economy, but nothing has Egypt, according to Israeli government An achiever needs both: Apollo the Palestinian Authority will not be able been realized.” statements, will be used for education and Saturn. He needs skills and to establish an independent Palestinian Daraghmeh recalled government and “security”. In other words, the relationships. A person may state during this period and will statements about Palestine becoming a profits Israel will make from these possess vision, skills, may even increase economic dependence on the producer and exporter of gas by 2014 deals with the Arab world will support be a genius, yet be unable to fly. Israeli occupation. Some believe that following a number of meetings with the Israeli occupation army. Moreover, He needs the relationships that this agreement serves Israeli attempts British Gas, the concessionaire for the the extraction of gas from Leviathan, prompt him to act and create to impose an economic rather than a development of the gas field, explored in Israel’s largest gas reservoir, needs an an impact. For instance, Herzl, political resolution on the Palestinians. 1998 in the Gaza Strip and inaugurated investment of USD 6.5 billion. If Israel the father of Zionism, had a by the late President Yasser Arafat. wants to export to countries other vision that he recorded in a small The Palestinian Energy and Natural The Prime Minister, , than Egypt and Jordan, alternative notebook and he had an extensive Resources Authority (PENRA): the predicted that the net profit would markets in Europe and Asia involve network of relationships. [Jamal] amount to USD 150 million annually. huge additional costs that render it Abdel Nasser had a vision government is not party to the agreement The Coalition for Accountability and Daraghmeh said, “Such statements commercially unfeasible. that was a mixture of Egyptian are greatly exaggerated and the annual nationalism, socialist thought Integrity (AMAN) held a meeting to discuss the agreement and Mr. profit referred to does not really mean Boycotts by Jordan and industrialization. He also much when compared to the quantities possessed the rocket. He was a Omar Kittaneh, the head of PENRA, Following popular protests against the confirmed that, “The government is of gas available in the Gaza field. The Jordanian-Israeli gas agreement, voices leader who valued organization agreements concluded previously with and mastered secrecy, and his not party to the agreement. Its role in the Jordanian government hinted was to create the environment for the British drilling company stipulated that, “They will not be more Palestinian tool was the army. The rocket that the company would have control of Al-Mutanabi, the genius Arab sealing the agreement between the than the Palestinians themselves.” That two companies.” He pointed out that, of 90% of the gas versus only 10% for was after the Palestinian private sector poet, was to plead to the princes Palestinians. This is unfair and must be of his era in a relentless pursuit “The idea emerged alongside the had signed a similar agreement in the gas explorations at a time when the invalidated, and the agreements should presence of the . from one country to another until be reconsidered.” he became famous. situation was conducive to optimism. According to a statement of boycott The reality proved different and a power The government owns Gaza Marine, a by Jordan, the National Electric Power There was once an opportunist natural gas field located about 36 km TV broadcaster who I happened generating plant was built, but the gas Company (NEPCO), entirely owned by was not provided for it to operate. It from the shores of the Gaza Strip. Since the Jordanian government, signed a to know. He had groveled and the field was discovered in 1998, not fawned to those in charge. He was assumed that the owners or the letter of intent with Noble Energy, an government would provide the gas, as as much as one cubic meter has been American company that represents a used to protect his presence extracted. on screen with a large rocket of in international practice. The dilemma majority of Zionist companies, to buy relationships, and he remained facing the Palestinian government the gas that is under Israeli control, the for a while, but he was never started when the owners set a condition Popular campaigns against conclusion proceeds of which go to the occupation an achiever because he did not stipulating that the government should of a final agreement government. Under this agreement, possess true skills and journalistic provide the gas and if it did not, which Last year, the Palestinian Boycott, worth USD 15 billion, NEPCO will be talent. I have also watched a was actually the case, the government Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) provided with 300 million cubic feet of singer who had a great voice and would be obliged to compensate the National Committee started to mobilize gas daily for a period of 15 years for the beautiful sentiments, but hated to company and commit to the payment of Palestinian parliamentary groups, purpose of generating electricity. have to chase after composers the quantity of gas consumption agreed national and international legal and An activist in the boycott movement, and poets. She hated travelling upon. Therefore, when the gas was not human rights institutions, PMs, and Nisreen Al-Haj Ahmad, stressed the and preferred family life. She provided, the government was forced political and economic figures to put “need to continue the efforts of the possessed Apollo, but not the to supply the fuel at a high price. Thus, pressure on the government to prevent campaign in collaboration with all rocket. Today, she has abandoned the company needs USD one million a the signing of a final agreement. parties who oppose normalization with singing and works in an office. day to operate the power station.” Mahmoud Nawajaa, the general Israel until the government realizes Success requires skill and coordinator of the Palestinian BDS that by insisting on proceeding with initiative. Those who lack one of Expert Haitham Daraghmeh: “The National Committee pointed out that, the gas agreement, it is standing those cannot fly. “In the first months of this year there will against the interests and desires of ”agreement is useless the overwhelming majority of the Some creative people are Dr. Haitham Daraghmeh, an expert in be a broad popular movement against ashamed of knocking on doors. the government and a number of Jordanian people. Palestinians need to administrative and financial strategic put popular pressure on the Palestinian They are correct in this since planning, emphasized to Al-Hal that, private sector institutions responsible it is not appropriate to do so at for concluding an initial agreement, leadership to prevent themselves from “The agreement is useless and no being dragged into regional Zionist gas the beginning; it is better to wait serious follow up was undertaken in the wake of 2013, to import natural until a person gains skills. But gas from the Israeli occupation worth projects that will give the Jordanian by the Palestinian government. The and other Arab governments a pretext ultimately, an individual should company wanted to ensure a high USD 1.2 billion, for a period of twenty reveal themselves known so we years. This opened the door for the to proceed with normalization with the percentage of profit and all their actions Israeli government.” can see them. were media propaganda since there is governments of Jordan and Egypt to Issue 114 - Volume 9 AL HAL - Tuesday 13/1/2015 03 Winner of First Place in the Arab World “Taq Taq Taqieh” … A program that meets the demands of the child audience

Mahmoud Issa that lack of resources is not necessarily an a number of children who contribute to Batool’s description is no different than excuse for failing to create a unique and the preparation and implementation of the that of any professional journalist who “Taq Taq Taqieh” - these words resonate creative TV production. program. There is one child in the camera complains of pressure at work and her with every Arab child throughout his happy Explaining the concept and identity of the crew, another child is the assistant director, words conveyed the authenticity of her childhood memories. The words have now program, Eshteiwi said: “The idea and and a third child takes calls related to the feelings to Al-Hal. been revived as the title of the best-known approach of the program are different than program and transfers them to the director. Working with children requires a lot of children’s program in the Arab world. The other children’s programs, as well as the With regard to this small crew of patience and flexibility, but Qaraqra noted idea and script for this program, which is absence of any political content, which professionals, Eshteiwi says: “At the that there is no such thing as pretense in broadcast on the Palestinian channel, belong prevails in other Palestinian TV programs.” beginning of my experience working with the program. She explained that her love of to Palestinian poet Wadah Zaqtan, who has According to Eshteiwi, this is a departure from children’s programs, I thought they would children led to her selection as a presenter been working for a long time in programs for the norm, which audiences find boring, to an need months to engage with the work and for the program and enables her to develop children, including Sesame Street. area of light entertainment for ordinary people. understand its nature, but I was surprised herself and the program. She treats a The “Taq Taq Taqieh” program, supervised The presenter of the program, Nadia how fast they learned and grasped the work child as a person just like her in order to by Zaqtan, directed by Awni Eshteiwi, and Qaraqra, believes that the program was in a few days.” enable the child to express their abilities presented by Nadia Qaraqra and a group selected as best program in the Arab world Batool Abu Karsh, a child who works with and talents; this is her secret to nurturing of children, won the award for the best because it differs from the usual children’s the program team and answers calls from children’s talents. children’s program in the Arab world in the programs. This difference is in the content; the public for transfer to the program The other difference in this program is the Cairo Radio and Television Mondial in 2014. the program is based on the handbook for director, says that it is a pleasure to work rule that the child is the audience, the child Al-Hal met with some of those in charge the Convention on the Rights of the Child with the team in a wonderful environment, is the one who has the problem and is, at the of the program to investigate the secrets and each episode attempts to explain a although she feels the pressure of work same time, the one who holds the solution behind its success in a field where other particular right for children. sometimes when there are many calls. and resolution. Therefore the guests on programs are unable to get off the ground The program treats all children as talented Television programs involving children are the program are always children. Those due to media and professional problems. and the ultimate goal is to teach in a usually the most difficult because of the responsible for the program believe that Director Awni Eshteiwi explained that the flexible and cheerful way that is never problem of dealing with children. Qaraqra the dreams, needs and ideas of the young program was selected on the basis of ideas dull and boring. It looks for what a child confirms that it is not easy job to deal with serve their peers in creating a program that versus resources. Thus, the idea of the wants, achieving a balance between the children since all children are considered provides information and covers issues in “Taq Taq Taqieh” program was matched to information needed by a child and supplying gifted. Therein lies the challenge to find a spontaneous, simple and entertaining the resources of the Palestinian channel, sufficient information. the specific area in which this child can context that transfers the media message resources which are limited compared Al-Hal sensed that the other difference in “Taq be creative and how to present this on TV away from affectation and stereotypical with other Arab channels. He pointed out Taq Taqieh” is its work team, which comprises without ruining the children’s talents. formats. Case Pending in Court Jurists: Ban on the Civil Servant’s Union … a political decision with a legal disguise Haitham Al Sharif the Supreme Court of Justice and the ICHR Ahmad Suhweil, said: “The GUPT was is a member of the government and is believes that the government is mistaken founded under exceptional circumstances necessarily committed to its resolutions, The Civil Servant’s Union is awaiting the to consider the Union as an illegal body. He and with some deficiencies, and although especially as the legitimate work of trade ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice added: “The judiciary is entitled to decide there is no legal basis for the establishment unions should come under the umbrella of regarding the constitutional appeal on the legality or illegality of the Union and of the Union, it has earned its legitimacy the law. As a court ruling is now pending, submitted on the 30th of December 2014 the government should have addressed and legality on the ground. Therefore, a any decision by the court will be equally against the government’s decision of 11th the judiciary on this issue.” solution and a face-saving way out of this binding to the executive and the Union of November 2014 that the Civil Servant’s The ICHR stated: “The Palestinian Basic dilemma must be sought in a sensible way based on the rule of law as the arbitrator.” Union is not a legal body. This came four Law refers to the right to form trade unions. so that nobody is affected negatively.” The same question was also posed to days after a statement by the President’s The Civil Servant’s Union established in Asked whether the government decision the Director General of Labor Relations office declaring that the Civil Servant’s 2003 had undergone all legal licensing will contribute to creating an alternative at the Ministry of Labor, Belal Thawabeh, Union had not been set up legally and procedures. It addressed the Ministry to the Civil Servant’s Union, t Secretary who said: “We had no role in this decision does not constitute a legal entity. The of Labor, which embraced the Union’s General of the GUPT said: “The alternative politically or at a senior administrative statement stressed that the presidential constituent assembly and bylaws. The exists practically on the ground in other level (Cabinet of Ministers), although we memorandum must be complied with and Ministry had supervised the Union elections professional trade unions such as those are in the ministerial committee formed [the Union] would be liable to prosecution. on two occasions. The Union had also for engineers, physicians, teachers, to discuss the issue of trade unions. We The President of the Union, Bassam signed agreements with the government to accountants and others who are, after all, stated that the absence of a law for trade Zakarneh, said that they had been taken by obtain independent legal status. Therefore public servants.” unions does not necessarily mean the surprise by the ban, especially as they had we approached the police to investigate The Undersecretary for Legal Affairs at the suppression of freedoms and trade unions. signed an agreement with the government the reasons for the closure of the Union’s Ministry of Justice, Mohammad Abdallah, We also said that the Union was formed two days prior to the decision being issued. headquarters and the justifications for views the absence of a law to regulate the under the supervision of the Ministry of He added: “The Union offices were sealed the detention of the President and Vice work of trade unions as undermining the Labor and that no problem exists with with red wax and the Ministry of Labor President of the Union. Unfortunately, legitimacy of these unions and making them respect to its legitimacy. But at the same withheld money without any judicial order. we received no response, and when no vulnerable to any decision, even when they time, we are opposed to infringements of The government also expelled members of justification is given for detention it may be adopt and work according to executive the law and encourage the reconsideration the Union working in the Ministry of Finance termed arbitrary detention.” procedures and mechanisms. He added: of the legal and administrative status of and transferred the Union President to The Director General of Al-Haq, Shawan “The Union was formed at the time of the any trade union. Therefore, our response the General Personnel Council, making Jabbarin, agreed with this opinion: “The political split [between the West Bank and to the decision was that the Civil Servant’s deductions from the salaries of employees decision is a breach of the law and is the Gaza Strip] to serve the employees, Union should resolve its administrative and on the grounds that they had participated in inconsistent with legal practice as it but it maintained destructive procedures legal offenses. In view of our commitment the strike. In view of this ban and pending undermines the rights and freedoms to against the government through strikes, to the ban, we have frozen the authorized the legal ruling, 40 thousand employees which Palestine is committed under the disruption of work in public departments signatories for the Union’s bank accounts are deprived of a statutory body to defend International Covenant on Civil and Political and reducing working hours, which was until the problem is over and the Union them. The hypothetical formation of an Rights. Palestine signed this international considered by the political authority to be amends its administrative and legal status.” alternative body is unacceptable and we treaty, which guarantees the right to form damaging to the public interest. Hence, Thawabeh believes that the essence of the cannot accept this because employees and run trade unions. If any violations had the decision taken by the government on problem was that the Union violated the law always seek to form an independent entity taken place by the Union, these could the illegality of the Union has a political as and rules on strikes, making them liable to to defend their rights rather than a fake have been resolved without this assault well as a legal aspect.” prosecution. “Previously, the authority did not body formed by a government.” on fundamental rights and the exercise But did the Ministry of Justice provide a take any political or administrative decision, Ghandi Rebee, a lawyer with the of freedoms. Thus, an encroachment has legal opinion on the legality of the Union where we faced problems when the Civil Independent Commission for Human taken place by the Palestinian executive before the government’s decision? Adallah Servant’s Union refused to abide by the law, Rights ICHR (Diwan Al-Mathalem, authority and an assault against the responded: “We were not asked to provide and now we have this decisive decision.” Ombudsman) adopted the cause of the freedom of trade unions.” a legal opinion. We heard the news just Postscript: On the 5th of January, the Civil Servant’s Union. A constitutional The Secretary General of the General like any other ministry or institution Court adjourned the case until the 19th of appeal against the ban was submitted to Union of Palestinian Teachers (GUPT), did. However, the Minister of Justice January. Issue 114 - Volume 9 AL HAL - Tuesday 13/1/2015 04 Birzeit University, wins first place in the Arab world for its [engagement] in the environment, recycling and clean energy Fadi Shatara treatment station at Birzeit University. The University also Universities usually compete uses thermal insulation, which Rinad Al Sharabati for academic excellence and saves about 40% of the heating to secure a good status among bills. Engineer Saad disclosed other universities. Birzeit to Al-Hal that Birzeit University University d id not settle for has recently started using gas academic excellence alone; instead of diesel, saving around it also sought excellence in 30% of the heating costs of its environmental management premises. and was ranked first in the sixth session of the Saudi Award for Streamlining lighting Environmental Management, The report included the achieving first place among University’s plan to reduce Arab countries for protection its power consumption to of the environment. an optimal minimum by Dr. Adel Zagha Mounir Saad This award is presented using timers for outdoors Dr. Bishara Abu Ghannam by the Arab Administrative lighting, especially in the Development Organization evening. Inside buildings, the (ARADO), an organization achievements and good maintained a clean and healthy winning was not guaranteed, administration ensures that practices in environmental environment. but the University was careful affiliated with the League of lights in any unused areas Arab States. The competition preservation. They provided Al-Zagha: the award will be to submit a world-class are switched off, noting that a working environment for used for the completion of report worthy of its name to runs every two years and lighting consumes 45% of the awards are made in many areas students and employees the solar energy production put it in a strong competitive electricity bill. conducive to the performance project position. He confirmed that as well as the environment. Those with special needs were The award is supervised by of their duties by providing The Vice President for environmental integration considered in the report. Saad parks, public spaces, and Financial and Administrative and attention to all aspects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. said that the University provides Birzeit excelled after tough rainwater harvesting and Affairs, Dr. Adel Zagha, said enabled Birzeit University to for their convenience and reuse. that the University had set win first place. competition against a number enables them to access and of universities, government, Abu Ghannam disclosed up an earlier plan catering for Zagha also revealed that the use all university facilities. The that the University conducts the environment and based University administration private and civil organizations. report also included a section The award jury comprises checks on levels of radiation on international standards will make use of the prize on car parking for teachers caused by the [electricity and and specifications. Thismoney of USD 40,000 to specialists and professors from and students; there are 600 several Arab countries. telecommunication] towers includes the establishment complete its solar energy parking lots and another 400 on campus. It also checks for of a wastewater treatment production project, initiated spaces for cars are in progress noise pollution in places like station, the digging of wells by the University on the roof The engineer who prepared outside the campus to the cafeteria in an attempt to for rainwater harvesting, and of Samieh Darwazeh building the report minimize crowding. The report provide a healthy environment consideration for people with for the manufacturing of This story started with a concluded with a number of for all those on campus. special needs by providing pharmaceuticals. The project letter sent by the Ministry of recommendations to be taken Abu Ghannam thanked them with programs that aims to use solar energy to Education to all universities into consideration to upgrade everyone who contributed to this enable them to read and operate the factory, a plan to inviting participation in the environmental management achievement and who worked to write, a process supervised by be extended later to include contest. The letter requested and dissemination of the win the award. He paid special Azzem Assaf. all other University premises. those interested to submit pioneering experience of tribute to engineer Munir Saad, Zagha described participation There is a project underway a report on environmental Birzeit University. the University administration in the Saudi Award for for the production of solar applications in their institution and all departments that Environmental Management energy that may be sold to the to the award committee. Green buildings adopted green activities and as an adventure where electricity company. Birzeit University’s Engineering Saad highlighted that, since it Office Manager, Bishara Abu was built, Birzeit University has Ghannam, received the letter engaged with environmental and initiated participation in principles and has focused on the contest. He delegated green buildings to preserve engineer Mounir Saad with the the environment as much as task of preparing the report. possible. He focused on the role of the Engineering Office Use of clean energy in informing the University of Saad, an engineer, said that his best practice for the saving Al Hal is a monthly newspaper that has been issued since 2005, it’s a critical daring newspaper report comprised a number of and use of alternative energy. applications implemented by It was the realization and that discuss controversial delicate issues that varies between political, economic, social and Birzeit University to demonstrate application of these practices cultural themes, with the participation of a group of professional outstanding journalists in West excellence and uniqueness over by Birzeit University that Bank and Gaza, in addition to Media students at Birzeit University, Al Hal has contributed to other institutions to contribute was behind the success in uncovering lots of cases that are not being publicized in daily newspapers or being banned for to winning the award. These achieving first place in this applications concentrated contest. censorship; subjects of Al Hal are handled through reporting ,investigative reporting, articles and on the use of clean energy, interviews along with criticizing caricatures in every edition, The newspaper has in parallel to the the reuse of wastewater in Abu Ghannam: we deserve paper edition a digital version that showcases best articles in multimedia, check our newspaper agriculture, solar energy, paper first place website following this link: recycling, and creating public Dr. Bishara Abu Ghannam http://hal.birzeit.edu parks such as the recently- said that Birzeit University established Samir Oweida deserved to win first place Park. The irrigation of gardens in the contest for their involves use of the wastewater

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