September 29, 2001

The Ministry of Education announced that schools would mark the Intifada anniversary in their programs. But the news, as seems par for the course, was distributed late. At assembly, there was renewed fervor in the morning singing of the Palestinian Anthem, and a few speeches by teachers and students and Abuna Aktham. One of the emphases was that the most important thing that children can do is to study and to strive for success.

Student demonstration in honor of the Intifada’s first anniversary.

At 12:15, those in the upper grades who didn't have an exam today threw together an impromptu demonstration. The predominant symbol was that of the PFLP, the People's Front for the Liberation of Palestine, whose leader Israel assassinated about one month ago. There wasn't a whole lot of organization, and the students seemed happier to get out of school early than to hold to a particular political ideology.

The view of Zababdeh from the hills.

The Arab American University of Jenin.

We then went up to the Arab-American University of Jenin, walking by way of the fields instead of the road (providing spectacular views of both Zababdeh and the University). Having received misinformation about the program times, we arrived as the formal programs were finishing. But there was an exhibition on the Intifada on display in one of the halls. It had been put together by the various political parties represented at the University (Hamas, PFLP, Islamic Association, Fatah, etc.), including the "Association of Independent Thinkers" (they just really like irony). Interesting to see the blending of nationalist and religious rhetoric, especially as our own nation continues to do the same in the wake of September 11th.