Arab Culture Association Celebrates 60 Graduates of Bishara Atallah Scholarship
The Arab Culture Association in Haifa held a ceremony on Friday to mark the graduation of the 19th cohort of students from the scholarship program established in memory of the late Dr. Rawda Bishara Atallah. In collaboration with the Galilee Foundation, the event celebrated 60 students from various academic institutions across Israel. The scholarship, which spans three years, aims to provide more than just financial support, focusing on enhancing cultural awareness, societal understanding, identity, belonging, and responsibility, alongside encouraging volunteerism and familiarization with the land and Palestinian society.
The ceremony, hosted by Azz Odeh and Alice Hanna, highlighted the students' academic and volunteer work. They emphasized the program's role in fostering connections among students from across the country, from the northernmost to the southernmost regions, and strengthening their relationship with the land. The scholarship is described as a comprehensive educational project designed to develop proactive young individuals with initiative and a commitment to their community and people.
Yousef Taha, Director of the Arab Culture Association, told "Arabs 48" that choosing the village of Tarshiha, Dr. Atallah's birthplace, for the celebration held significant symbolism. He noted that the association has graduated approximately 2,000 students since the project's inception, with the program extending beyond financial aid to include volunteer work, community integration, identity reinforcement, and educational tours. Taha considers the project one of the most important educational initiatives for Palestinian society within Israel, expressing pride in its continuity and the ongoing graduation of new generations carrying Dr. Atallah's message.
Taha also mentioned that the current cohort faced significant challenges due to the ongoing war, including increased scrutiny of students on university campuses. He stated that the association provided psychological support and accompaniment during this difficult period. He reiterated that the initiative is a comprehensive educational project, not merely a scholarship, with a lasting impact visible in the graduates' contributions to society.
Arin Makhoul, coordinator of the scholarship's alumni club, explained that the alumni project aims to leverage the graduates' potential for societal benefit. The club serves as a platform for graduates to connect, share experiences, and support current students, creating a continuous cycle of mentorship and development. Graduate Usayd Gharib shared his experience with the "Sovereignty of the Land" project, which encourages a deeper exploration of the country's history, geography, and nature, thereby strengthening students' connection to their homeland. He also highlighted the importance of the scholarship in connecting students from diverse backgrounds and universities, fostering a stronger sense of collective identity and national belonging.
