633 Reasons to Celebrate: The Torch is Passed to BU’s 50th Graduating Class
On June 25 and 26, 2026, 633 young adults crossed the stage as Bethlehem University’s 50th graduating class.
The Golden Jubilee graduation featured a passing of the torch from BU’s very first graduating class of 1977 to the class of 2026. Dr. Khalil Shokeh, a member of BU’s first cohort, lit the Golden Jubilee Torch on the first day and passed it to Christy Abumohor, top graduate of the Faculty of Business Administration. On the second day, fellow 1977 graduate Dr. Fouad Bannoura carried it before passing it to valedictorian Rami Darras, who spoke on behalf of the 50th cohort.
Among those celebrating with the graduates were Archbishop Giorgio Lingua, BU’s Chancellor, Mr. Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, Governor of Bethlehem, Father Thaljieh of the Church of the Nativity, Archbishop Atallah Hanna of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac, Lutheran pastor, Director of the Bethlehem Institute for Peace and Justice, and voice for Palestinian Christians.
President Br. Hernán Santos praised the students’ resilience and determination in completing their studies under exceptionally challenging circumstances. Dr. Enas Attari, Minister of Labor, described graduation as “a triumph of hope over adversity,” encouraging graduates to pursue their dreams while contributing to the future of Palestine.
Rev. Dr. Munther Isaac delivered the keynote on the second day, reminding graduates that their degrees represent perseverance, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to learning.
Christy Abumohor and Rami Darras addressed their fellow graduates, reflecting on friendships forged, challenges overcome, and the families and faculty who walkedalongside them.
For 50 years, generations of Palestinians have crossed this stage with a dream of serving their communities.
633 graduates fulfilled that dream this June. Each launching a career as an engineer, nurse, therapist, teacher, business or civic leader. Each one a reason to believe in the future of the Holy Land.
Congratulations to Bethlehem University’s Golden Jubilee Class of 2026.