Stunning architecture at the Al-Qasemi Academy,
Baka al-Gharbiya
Over the last decade the INTERNATIONAL DEPARTMENT of Givat Haviva have arranged for many groups from abroad to visit the Al-Qasemi College of Education situated in Baka al-Gharbiya close to the Givat Haviva campus.
Incorporating a visit to the college in our organized Wadi Ara tours gives an additional and important insight and perspective to the opportunities for higher education available to Israeli Arab citizens in the region.
The opportunity to meet and interact with Arab students, to hear of their academic and civic aspirations as citizens of the State of Israel whilst at the same time strongly identifying with and being part of the Palestinian people, is informative, fascinating – and an unforgettable experience for many. Students also relish meeting folks from abroad – as one student recently said – “it is important for us to try and dispense with the stereotypes most people have of Muslims - Arab Muslims in particular.”
With the demand high, many of the students these days are coming from far away and student dorms have been constructed in the vicinity of Al-Qasemi giving an air of a vibrant university campus in the dusty, narrow and twisting side roads of Baka al-Gharbiya.
On a recent noontime visit to Al-Qasemi with a group of German educators and journalists, hundreds of local junior and high school pupils on their way home from school added to the hustle and bustle in the somewhat narrow main road and alleyways around the college.
The tables in a café forecourt opposite the main entrance to the college were crowded with young Arab women chatting nineteen to the dozen – a rare sight in the Wadi Ara Arab villages were café culture is normally a men only pastime.
The expansive forecourt of Al-Qasemi, a favorite place to hang out it would seem, was full of mostly jean clad students sitting in the shaded areas chatting amongst themselves, stopping to look at a crocodile of overseas folks passing by as we entered the main building.
The majority of the girls wear head covering although there is no pressure by the college for them to do so.
Although the whole Wadi Ara region has developed hugely over the last 10 years or so, (the opening of Road No. 6 - the Cross Israel Highway - leading to easier access to the region but excessively heavy traffic), among the most impressive and rapid developments has been that of Al-Qasemi.
The teachers training college, known for many years as the Islamic College founded by the Sufi movement, in present times caters to 1,600 students with a teaching staff of 120. Jewish Israelis make up twenty-five percent of the academic staff.
The latter fact is probably amongst the best-kept and surprising secrets in Israel these days and when I have mentioned it to friends most have reacted with the same incredulous question of “is it safe to go there?”
The stunning architecture of Al-Qasemi, the liberal use of marble, Jerusalem and Hebron stone, arched ceilings, expansive windows and outstanding interior layout and use of pastel colors is a treat to the eyes. From the upper floors of the main building one can see right across the city toward the West Bank and in the other direction, over and beyond the busy Cross Israel Highway, kibbutzim and moshavim in the region and out to sea – literally.
The Al-Qasami period of study is four years by the end of which students receive a Bachelor of Education certificate although there are those gifted students who finish after three.
The college boasts state of the art facilities and an impressive library containing 90,000 books in a number of languages.
Founded in 1989 as a college for Sharia and Islamic Studies, Al-Qasemi (authorized by the Higher Council of Education in Israel) has received many awards and accolades for the mark of excellence they have achieved in Islamic Studies, Arabic Language and Literature, English Language and Literature, Mathematics and Computers in the elementary and secondary tracks, Early Childhood Education track and that of Special Education.
The college conducts study days and conferences in conjunction with other academic centers both in Israel and abroad and both staff and students participate in exchange programs to Europe and America.
Well-equipped science laboratories, a research unit, photographic and radio studios for use of students studying journalism and communication and much more can be found at the college, the motto of which: ‘quality and excellence.’
Indeed, a short visit to Al-Qasami proves that the college more than lives up to their motto and plans for further expansion in the future brings them closer to the dream of becoming the first Arab university in the State of Israel.
Islamic Art display in the Al-Qasami Art Gallery
A visitor from Germany chats to students
Text and Photographs: Lydia Aisenberg
