Universities are building bridges in form of online course

Universities are building bridges between Brazil and Palestine with the establishment of an online course from 9 March to 1 June involving professors from both countries. The course is being organised by Brazil’s University of São Paulo, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and the University of Brasilia in partnership with Palestine’s Birzeit University and Al-Quds University, writes Eman Abusidu for Middle East Monitor.

The classes will be held once a week in English and topics covered will include Palestinian history, the ongoing Nakba, Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees and the issue of Gaza. Following the first five classes, the rest will discuss the history of Palestinian migration to Brazil, Arab culture in Brazil, the steadfastness and resilience of the small rural producers, and the challenges and difficulties of addressing social issues that have parallels with the reality in Brazil.

According to Arlene Elizabeth Clemesha, professor of Arab history at the University of São Paulo, the idea for the course arose after an academic mission to Palestine last year. She was very impressed by the size, scope and quality of many Palestinian universities, as well as the education efforts of young Palestinians despite the difficult circumstances and restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation of their land.
Full report on the Middle East Monitor site