September 6, 2001

Just a few of those in attendance at the graduation celebration.

Fr. Aktham and To’mie with a representative of the Palestinian National Authority.

It's never too late for a graduation party. Tonight the Benevolence Society of Zababdeh sponsored an event to congratulate the students of Zababdeh who graduated this past Spring from high school and university. The priests, the mayor, and other regional leaders came for the celebration. One of the officials from the Palestinian Authority was scheduled to be there, but because of the situation (particularly that of the roads in the area), he wasn't able to come. Another official came in his stead. It's an amazing thing for these students, who have perservered in their studies, particularly through such a chaotic time. Those who received their high school diplomas have successfully completed an impressive level of comprehensive exams, so despite the temporary school closures last year, they were able to finish. Many are getting ready for university studies, some at the nearby Arab-American University of Jenin and others at Birzeit University near Ramallah or An-Najah National University in Nablus. The mind boggles at planning for college when you don't know which road to take to get there. But for a brief moment, there was celebration.