Palestinian Culture Club Commemorates Youm Al Ard, renew the promise to never forget their land

The Palestinian Student Cultural Club at the American University in Dubai (AUD) organized a symposium to commemorate ‘Youm Al Ard’ (Earth Day), on April 8, 2008 with journalist Hamdi Qandil, renowned for his distinctive political program on Dubai TV ‘Pencil’, and young Palestinian director Osama Kasho, in the presence of HE Salim Abu Sultan, Palestinian Consul General, Muhannad Aeklok political adviser to the Palestinian ambassador in addition to faculty members and administrative bodies and students.. The event, sponsored by Sun Real Estate and engineering, included open discussions with Qandil and Kasho, who also presented his award winning film "Soy Palestino".

After the national anthems of The UAE and Palestine, Yasmin Yaqub Palestinian Club President welcomed all by saying "The Palestinian Student Cultural Club believes that it is the right of all Palestinians to return to their beloved land, a feeling shared by all Arab citizens." Student had the chance to have an open discussion with journalist Qandil about his life experiences and the world of journalism, trying to stay away from political issues

Dr. Linda Nubani, Assistant Professor of Interior Design at AUD and special advisor to the Palestinian club stressed that the university encourages students to continue to host members of the media and personalities who contribute to strengthening the role and cultural awareness among students.

After the open discussion and Q&A session, “Soy Palestino”, distinguished during the last Dubai Film Festival, was aired, followed by another discussion with director Kasho.

Amin El Hajj, Vice President of the Palestinian Clubs concluded: "This is a great honor for us to have Mr. Hamdi Qandil as our guest speaker as well as the young director Mr. Osama Kasho. On the day of Youm Al Ard, we as Palestinians renew the promise we made to our fore-fathers to never forget our land and we believe that the day will come where we will have the opportunity to return” He ended by hoping the next gathering will be back in Palestine.