Conflict Studies Research Center - CSRC

Invitation to the Special Virtual Workshop on Palestinian Displacement and Colonialism

Organized by:
The International Migration and Refugee Studies Program, Birzeit University, Palestine
Date: Monday, November 25, 2024
Time: 3 PM Jerusalem time
Format: Virtual

The ongoing displacement of Palestinians remains one of the most pressing humanitarian crises, calling for scholarly attention and meaningful action. The International Migration and Refugee Studies Program at Birzeit University invites you to join us in a critical exploration of the dimensions of forced migration and colonialism to foster a well-informed understanding of these challenges.

The International Summer School students had a unique opportunity to visit the ancient city of Petra and the city of Aqaba. They started with a 3-hour hike through the Abarim mountain range, eventually reaching Mount Jebel Khubtha and the archaeological sites. Despite the physical challenge, the students were eager to explore the historic ruins, including the royal tombs, the Siq, the great temple, Qasr el Bint, al Deir (the monastery), the Roman theater, and the famous al Khazneh (the treasure).

The students then spent the night at a camp in the Wadi Rum valley. The next day, they enjoyed a sunrise, tea brewed over a desert fire, and a camel ride, which gave them a chance to experience the breathtaking desert landscapes.

The international summer school students had a unique opportunity to visit the Al-Wehdat Palestinian refugee camp in Jordan. There are 13 Palestinian refugee camps in the country, 10 of which are official, and special permission was required for the students to enter.

During their visit, the students explored the Al Wahdat Club's trophy room, home to many national and Asian-level championships since the club's founding in 1956. They learned about the intense rivalry between Al Wahdat and Al Faisaly.

The students also strolled through the camp's market, a popular shopping destination even for those who don't live in the camp. They visited UNRWA facilities, which offer a wide range of services to the camp's residents. Most of the dwellings in the camp are non-permanent, reflecting the inhabitants' enduring hope to return to their original homes, and the impossibility of becoming homeowners.

During this field trip, Razan Khalaf gave the students a lecture on the Politics of Exile. Razan is a consultant in participatory action research and is interested in alternative tools of navigation to document and communicate spatial knowledge within disadvantaged spaces and colonial contexts.

A particularly moving part of the visit was when the students spoke with young people at a girls' school and were welcomed into the home of a local woman. She shared her story and that of her husband, who fought for the PLO, and spoke of their family's displacement from the Jaffa area. This powerful encounter deeply touched the students, leaving a lasting impression on their understanding of the Palestinian refugee experience.

As part of the Summer School program, students enjoyed an enriching tour of Jabal Al-Weibdeh and downtown Amman.

Photos from the first lecture of the International Summer School at the AAUP office in Amman, part of the course "Politics of Exile." The session was led by Dr. Oroub el-Abed, a postdoctoral research fellow at the Centre for British Research in the Levant. Dr. el-Abed, who holds a PhD in Development Studies, specializes in the study of refugees and the Arab world.

The Conflict Studies Research Center at the Arab American University in Ramallah hosted the "Why it Worked" seminar in collaboration with RO’A Center for Political and Strategic Studies. The event brought together scholars from George Mason, Harvard, Delaware, and Ottawa Universities to present comparative analyses of long-term, asymmetric international conflicts.

Professor Mohammad Asia, Vice President of AAUP, welcomed attendees, emphasizing the importance of international academic partnerships and knowledge exchange. Fatina Hudli, co-founder of RO’A Center, highlighted the project's success in uniting global academics to discuss conflict resolution strategies.
Dr. Ayman Yousef, speaking on behalf of the Conflict Studies Research Center, underscored the role of academic research in addressing complex conflict issues. The seminar concluded with key outcomes, including enhancing international cooperation, utilizing scientific research for political conflict resolution, and sharing experiences among academics to better understand global challenges.

We're happy to announce that this year's International Field Program has started in Jordan! 🇯🇴 This program is a collaboration between the Arab American University (AAUP) and The New School (TNS) from New York.

For six weeks, students from both universities will take part in two enriching courses and engage in insightful field visits. This program is a unique opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and practical learning.

Stay tuned for updates on our journey!