Gabi Baramki 
Peaceful Resistance 
Building a Palestinian University Under Occupation

This book tells the remarkable story of Birzeit University, Palestine’s oldest university in the Occupied Territories.



Founded against the backdrop of occupation, it is open to all students, regardless of income. Putting the study of democracy and tolerance at the heart of its curriculum, Birzeit continues to produce idealistic young people who can work to bring about a peaceful future.



Gabi Baramki explains how the University has survived against shocking odds, including direct attacks where Israeli soldiers have shot unarmed students. Baramki himself has been dragged from his home at night, beaten and arrested. Yet Birzeit continues to thrive, putting peace at the heart of its teaching, and offering Palestinians the opportunities that only education can bring.

Table of Content

Acknowledgements

Introduction

1. Growing Up in Palestine

2. Peace and War

3. Occupation and Education

4. Targeting Birzeit

5. Developing Birzeit

6. ‘Cells of Illegal Education’

7. ‘Shaking Off’ and Being Shaken

8. Not Obeying Orders

10. Harassment and Hair Gel

11. Preaching to the Choir

Appendix i Chronology – Birzeit University

Appendix ii Deportation Statement from Hanna Nasir November 74

Appendix iii Israeli lies and half-truths 16 January 1979

Appendix iv Press release from BZU after 1979 closure

Appendix v BZU press release after opening in April 1992

Appendix vi Report from 5 Hebrew University professors

on order 854 – 1980

Appendix vii-a Example of Required loyalty oath. A Commitment form – 1982-3

Appendix vii-b work permit A with item 18 – 1980

Appendix vii-c work permit B without item 18 – 1980

Appendix viii Letter to Secretary Baker – March 1992

Location of Photograph and Maps

Map-Photograph Captions

About the author

Gabi Baramki was a major figure in the Palestinian resistance movement, who devoted his life to education at Birzeit University, including 19 years as President of the University. He co-founded the PEACE and was awarded the Medal Palme Academique by the French Ministry of Education. He is the author of Peaceful Resistance (Pluto, 2009).