Help Palestinian Students Give Sight to the Blind
This graduation season, Bethlehem University students aren’t just receiving degrees—they’re helping visually impaired Arabic speakers navigate the world with greater independence, dignity, and hope.
Walk Alongside a Student
Your gift to the Bethlehem University Foundation Annual Fund helps students continue their education and use their talents to serve others. Every gift makes a difference.
Suggested gift amounts:
- $4,000—Supports a student’s education for one year
- $1,000—Sustains a semester of study
- $500—Helps a student stay on track toward graduation
- Other—Every gift changes lives
Education that Serves Others
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father . . . So do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.”
Matthew 10:29–31
God’s care is personal and attentive. He sees every person and knows every need.
Students at Bethlehem University are learning to live that same spirit of compassion.
A team of Software Engineering students has developed SIGHT, an AI-powered vision assistant designed specifically for visually impaired Arabic speakers. Using a mobile app and wearable device, SIGHT converts visual information into real-time Arabic speech, helping users read text, identify currency, recognize faces, and navigate their surroundings.
For millions of Arabic speakers living with visual impairments, assistive technology remains limited. Bethlehem University students saw the need—and decided to respond.
From Classroom Learning to Real-World Impact
The students behind SIGHT work directly with visually impaired children and adults, testing and improving the technology in schools, neighborhoods, and everyday settings.
Students from Bethlehem University’s Department of Physical and Occupational Therapy also participate, bringing together technical innovation and compassionate care. One young girl using SIGHT shared: “I can play sports with my friends now. And I can write my homework by myself.”
This is what happens when education is rooted in service.
Yet many students face significant financial hardship. Your support helps ensure they can continue their education and continue making a difference.
Building the Future with Their Own Hands
In his April 2026 message to the people of the Holy Land, Cardinal Pizzaballa wrote:
“To young people, therefore, I say: do not believe those who tell you there is no future here. You will build the future with your own hands, with your intelligence, with your faith. The Church wants to be at your side.”
At Bethlehem University, students are doing exactly that.
They are becoming engineers, healthcare professionals, teachers, therapists, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. They are creating solutions for real problems and serving people who are often overlooked.
Yet many students face significant financial hardship. Your support helps ensure they can continue their education and continue making a difference.
Your Gift Opens Doors
When you support the BUFUSA Annual Fund, you help provide:
- Scholarships and student assistance
- Academic programs and classroom resources
- Faculty excellence and professional development
- Technology and innovation
- Mission-critical support for Bethlehem University’s future
Your gift strengthens students today while helping build a more hopeful future for the Holy Land.
Be at Their Side
Cardinal Pizzaballa reminded us that the Church wants to be at the side of young people.
Today, we invite you to do the same.
Walk alongside Bethlehem University students as they pursue their education, serve their communities, and build a brighter future.