Bethlehem University successfully concluded the Second International Bethlehem Conference, titled “Palestinian Archaeology and Cultural Heritage: Towards Preserving Our Heritage from Appropriation and Destruction,” held on Tuesday and Wednesday, 19-20 November 2024, on campus.
The two-day conference featured ten sessions addressing critical topics, including the destruction of cultural heritage in Gaza, the challenges of appropriation, the documentation of displaced Palestinian villages, and the role of museums in preserving identity.
Key sessions included discussions on the deliberate destruction of Islamic and Christian sites in Gaza during the recent conflict, presented by experts from the region, alongside visual documentation of before-and-after conditions of historical sites. Scholars also explored the intersections of cultural heritage, law, food traditions, and memory, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding these elements as part of the Palestinian identity.
The conference concluded with recommendations, including:
- Holding regular conferences on Palestinian archaeology and cultural heritage.
- Promoting localized research methodologies in heritage studies.
- Strengthening collaboration between academic, governmental, and non-governmental institutions to protect and preserve cultural heritage.
- Raising awareness of the critical role of youth and local communities in safeguarding Palestinian heritage.
Bethlehem University reaffirms its commitment to serving the local community and preserving the rich cultural legacy of Palestine, ensuring it remains a beacon of identity and history for future generations.
