Collège des Frères – Jerusalem Celebrates Its 150th Jubilee: A Century and a Half of Education, Belonging, and Service
Jerusalem – Saturday, October 17, 2026
In an atmosphere filled with joy, pride, and gratitude, Collège des Frères – Jerusalem celebrated its 150th anniversary on Saturday, October 17, 2026, with a special jubilee celebration featuring music, singing, dancing, drama, and artistic performances. The event highlighted the school’s rich history and its long-standing educational, humanitarian, and social mission in the heart of Jerusalem.
The celebration brought together a large number of parents, teachers, administrative staff, alumni, friends, and distinguished guests from Jerusalem, all gathered to honor an institution that has played an important role in educating generations of Jerusalemites and promoting the values of fraternity, respect, and belonging.
The celebration opened with the school anthem, beautifully performed by student Mohammad Awad. This was followed by a special documentary film marking the 150th anniversary, prepared by Ms. Lina Al-Khatib and Mr. Jريس Karbourani, presenting important moments from the school’s history and its educational journey through generations.
A short theatrical performance entitled « Abu Ibrahim and the Frères », prepared by Mr. Nidal Allan and performed by Khader Khoury and Omar Al-Rashaq, took the audience back to the early years of the school. The performance highlighted the strong historical relationship between the Christian Brothers and the people of Jerusalem, reminding everyone of the school’s important role in the life of the city.
In his address, Brother Daoud Kassabry, School Director, expressed his deep gratitude to God for the blessing of celebrating 150 years of educational service. He remembered with appreciation the Brothers, teachers, students, and alumni who have contributed to the school’s history and left a lasting mark on its identity.
Brother Daoud reaffirmed the school’s determination to continue its educational and humanitarian mission despite the many difficulties and challenges facing education in Jerusalem.
He emphasized that Collège des Frères deserves to be called « the capital of Jerusalem, » because it has welcomed generations of both Christian and Muslim students, teaching them to love their homeland and to develop a strong sense of belonging.
He added that, after 150 years, the school is much more than an educational institution. It is a home for everyone, a living part of Jerusalem’s memory, and a place where generations have learned to live together in mutual respect, friendship, and fraternity.
The celebration continued with a variety of artistic performances reflecting the talents and creativity of the students.
A traditional Zajal poetry performance, prepared by Ms. Queen Qassasfeh, brought the beauty of local cultural traditions to the stage. This was followed by a joyful dance performed by the kindergarten girls, prepared by Ms. Mariam Khalaf and Ms. Sophie Karmi, whose enthusiasm and innocence delighted the audience.
Another theatrical performance, prepared by Ms. Marie Shahwan, added a creative dimension to the program.
A beautiful musical performance was presented by students Hilda Sabbat, Milena Habash, and Lord Tamas, under the guidance and training of Ms. Hilda Sabbat.
The artistic program concluded with a special performance by alumnus Muhannad Balbisi, followed by a musical presentation by Hassan Al-Sheikh, reflecting the strong connection between the school and its graduates.
Poetry also had a special place in the celebration. Poet Gabriel Abdullah presented a poem dedicated to the school’s 150th anniversary, expressing his admiration for its history, achievements, and important place in the hearts of Jerusalem’s people.
A particularly meaningful contribution came from the Jerusalemite Group (Al-Majmoua Al-Maqdisiyya). Speaking on behalf of the group, Haj Walid Al-Qawasmeh, himself a graduate of Collège des Frères, expressed his pride in his former school and praised its remarkable contribution to Jerusalem.
He emphasized that Collège des Frères has always served all communities of the city, without distinction, and that its educational mission goes beyond classrooms to embrace the wider Jerusalem society. He described the school as a welcoming home for everyone and an institution that continues to strengthen the bonds between the different communities of Jerusalem.
Dr. Khaled Ghaith also addressed the gathering, conveying the greetings and congratulations of Professor Dr. Imad Abu Kishek, President of Al-Quds University, on the occasion of the school’s 150th anniversary. He highlighted the school’s historical contribution to education and its important role in serving generations of students.
As a gesture of appreciation, a commemorative plaque was presented to the school in recognition of its 150 years of service. Haj Walid Al-Qawasmeh also presented a special plaque to Brother Daoud Kassabry, honoring his leadership and the continuing mission of the school.
The celebration was coordinated and managed by Ms. Diala Katanasho, while Ms. Suzanne Bahnan served as master of ceremonies. Ms. Mona Hazo, together with a large team of teachers, coordinated the welcoming and reception of guests. Their dedication, teamwork, and generous efforts contributed greatly to the success of this memorable event.
The celebration concluded with a wonderful reception prepared by the school’s Hospitality Department, which offered guests a delicious selection of food and beverages. The reception was coordinated by Mr. Fadi Deeb and Mr. Peter Hernandez, showcasing the professional skills, creativity, and hospitality of the department’s students.
The administration of Collège des Frères – Jerusalem extends its sincere gratitude to all teachers, students, parents, alumni, friends, and supporters who contributed to the success of this important celebration.
Celebrating 150 years is not simply about remembering a remarkable past. It is about renewing our commitment to an educational and human mission that began a century and a half ago and continues to inspire new generations.
For 150 years, Collège des Frères has remained a school for everyone, a place of learning and belonging, and a bridge connecting generations and communities in Jerusalem.
150 Years of Education, Fraternity, and Service — and the Journey Continues!
