Latest News

Dar al-Kalima university press affiliated with Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem has just launched its latest book Rooted in Palestine: Palestinian Christians and the struggle for National Liberation 1917 - 2004 by Xavier Abu Eid. The book launching ceremony was held at the Hall of St. Peter’s Evangelical Episcopal Church in Birzeit on Sunday, October 16th, 2022 at seven p.m.. 

Professor Rev. Mitri Raheb, founder and president of Dar al-Kalima University, first opened the ceremony with a welcome speech, where he stated:
“Dar al-Kalima University is pleased to launch this book by researcher Xavier Abu Eid, which highlights the role of Palestinian Christians in the British mandate era as an integral part of the Palestinian Arab fabric and of the movement against British colonialism as well as Zionist colonialism.”
He added: 

“This book was part of a series of books published by Dar al-Kalima University publications that has set its sights on publishing accurate and qualitative research in everything related to culture, art and history of Palestine, the oral and the written. This is the University’s fifty-fifth book published.”

Author Xavier Abu Eid continued the book launch ceremony with a speech during which he thanked Dar al-Kalima University press and the attendees, and mentioned: 
“This book is dedicated to the spirit of journalist Sherine Abu Aqleh. All the messages of the book are present in her life and work, and the book was launched to coincide with the six-month anniversary of her death. I thank journalist Sherine and her family, and everyone who contributed to the success of the book.” 

The author also spoke about Retired Palestinian Patriarch Michel Sabbah’s quote:  
“(Muslims) are our countrymen. We share the same future, the same country, the same heritage (...) My brothers and sister, you must preserve yourselves, this solidarity and this unity must love each other. We must share together our suffering and our hope, all that we have at this time, whether it is more or less, must be shared.”

Rooted in Palestine highlights the role of Palestinian Christians throughout history, as it is impossible to understand Palestine without understanding the historic role Christians have played and how issues between Christians have shaped events. Author Xavier Abu Eid emphasizes his national identity throughout the book in order to demonstrate his perspective on the history of Palestinian diplomacy.
Professor Rev. Mitri then discussed the book with author Xavier Abu Eid, after which the audience asked rich and meaningful questions. 
Author Xavier Abu Eid is a Palestinian from Beit Jala born in Chile. He first earned his BA in Political Science from Diego Portales University in Chile, then continued with his MA in Diplomatic Studies from Leicester University in the United Kingdom. Xavier Abu Eid completed his education by earning a Master’s in Medication Peace Processes from ETH University in Switzerland. He has previously served as an advisor to the Palestinian negotiations team and is currently a member of the General Assmbly of Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center. 

The main goal of Dar al-Kalima University press is to contribute to the writings of Palestinian oral history as an integral part of rewriting the Palestinian narrative as our ancestors lived it, with the aim of crystallizing a Palestinian identity rooted in history and characterized by a dynamic that evolves over time.