College des Freres / Jerusalem celebrates its 150th Jubilee In Ramallah under the Patronage of the Prime Minister
Ramallah – College des freres/ Jerusalem held a major and distinguished celebration in Ramallah at the Millennium Hotel to mark 150 years since the founding of Frères School – Jerusalem / New Gate, under the patronage of the Prime Minister, Dr. Mohammad Mustafa. The event drew wide official, national, diplomatic, religious, and educational attendance, reflecting the school’s standing and its long-established educational mission in Palestine.
The celebration was attended by H.E. Minister Amjad Barham, representing the Prime Minister; the Governor of Ramallah and Al-Bireh, Dr. Laila Ghannam; the Governor of Jericho and the Jordan Valley, Dr. Hussein Hmaiel; and the Secretary-General of Fatah’s Central Committee, Major General Jibril Rajoub. Also present were Minister Stefan Salameh, Minister of Finance and Planning; Minister Nasser Qatami, Advisor to the Prime Minister for Arab and Islamic Funds; and a number of ambassadors and consuls accredited to the State of Palestine, including the Egyptian Ambassador Ihab Suleiman and the Jordanian Ambassador Issam Al-Budour, in addition to members of the Board of Trustees of Frères School, the Alumni Association, and the administrations of Frères schools in the Holy Land.
Representatives of academic, educational, and community institutions also participated, led by the Director of Frères School in Jerusalem, Brother Daoud Kassabry; Brother Peter irlano from Bethlehem University; Mr. George Al-Nabr; and Mrs Ikhlas Banoura. The event further welcomed a notable presence of business leaders, friends, and supporters, including Mr. Bashar Hussein, General Chairman of Al-Wataniya Insurance; Mr. Alex Hanna, General Manager of the Alex Group; Mr. Elias Tamas, General Manager of Ithar Foundation; Ms. Latifa Wakiliya, Director of the Natvity Office; and Dr. Omayya Khammash, Director of Juthoor Foundation.
A large number of religious leaders attended as well, headed by Bishop William Shomali, Archbishop Atallah Hanna, Fr. Yaacoub Rfedi, Secretary-General of the Christian Educational Institutions, and Fr. Ibrahim Faltas, in addition to several former ministers, including Dr. Hani Abdeen and Mr. Fadi Al-Hadmi.
The celebration opened with the national anthem and the school anthem, followed by a program of official and welcoming speeches that underscored Frères School’s pioneering role in promoting quality education, belonging, and community service. Speakers also highlighted the school’s 150-year journey in graduating generations of capable leaders and professionals in Palestine and the region. The welcoming address was delivered by Mr. Daoud Kassabry, followed by remarks from the Prime Minister’s representative. Additional speeches were delivered by Mr. George Al-Nabr, Dr. Nakhla Bdeir, Dr. Osama Abdullah, Dr. Hanna Abd Al-Nour—President of Al-Quds University and an alumnus of the school—along with Mr. Alex Hanna and Mr. Bashar Hussein.
The ceremony was emceed by teacher Aida Salameh, while Ms. Silvia Amer delivered a welcoming message in English, emphasizing the deep educational and human connections the school has built throughout its history and the importance of continued investment in education as a cornerstone for building people and strengthening resilience.
During dinner, the program included elegant musical performances that added a distinctive celebratory atmosphere. Student Bashara Seidawi performed musical pieces on the qanun, accompanied by Mr. Ibrahim Khair on the oud, to warm appreciation from the audience.
This celebration reaffirms the place of College des Frères in Jerusalem as a longstanding educational institution and underscores its vital role in equipping Palestinian society with knowledge and learning, while strengthening partnerships with alumni, national institutions, and supporters in ways that contribute to developing education and consolidating values of excellence and social responsibility.
The evening concluded with a renewed commitment to continuing the school’s educational and humanitarian mission, appreciation for the efforts of its administration, staff, and alumni association, and recognition of the excellent organization and rich program—an atmosphere that reflected pride in the school’s history and optimism for continued achievement in the years ahead.
