In this year in which Pope Benedict focused his world peace day message on educating
young people in the ways of justice and peace, we take a look at one institution which
aims to do just that: Bethlehem University will shortly be marking its 40th
anniversary, the first university established in the West Bank by the Vatican and
the De La Salle Christian brothers in 1973. From just over 100 students back then,
it now has over 3.000 young men and women, Christian and Muslim, taught by a dedicated
Palestinian and international staff. Dr Youil Anastas is vice president of the
university for Financial and administrative affairs – that means trying to raise funds
and increase international support in an increasingly difficult and challenging context..... Listen
to Philippa Hitchen's interview with Dr Anastas: