Faculty of Theology at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) organized a meaningful event titled ‘First Lesson: Palestine’ as the first program of the new academic year. The event was organized at the Doç. Dr. Ali Arslan Conference Hall was attended by the Vice Rector of BEUN, Prof. Dr. Bekir Hakan Bakkal, the Dean of Theology, Prof. Dr. Seyfullah Kara, academic and administrative staff, as well as many students.
The event began with the recitation of the Al-Qur’an by Lecturer Sinan Sarı. Following that, Asst. Prof. Dr. Ufuk Dağlıoğlu called upon the students to be responsive and informed on the oppression in Palestine in his opening speech. Dağlıoğlu wished for the end of this human tragedy and wished success to the students in their new academic year.
The Dean of the Faculty of Theology, Prof. Dr. Seyfullah Kara, gave his speech after Dağlıoğlu, and talked about the main principles of İslam Law of War, the history and meaning of Jerusalem, and emphasized the heavy responsibility of massacre against civilians on international law and humanity. Prof. Dr. Kara stated the significance of raising students not just with academic success but as individuals with ethics, humanism, and social responsibility. He also thanked everyone who contributed to the organization of the event. He wished for the new academic year to be beneficial for the university community.
Commenting on the event, the Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, said the following:
“It is incredibly important that our academic community is responsive to the genocide and inhumane treatment against our Palestinian brothers and sisters. ‘First Lesson: Palestine’ program is not just an academic year opening, but an open expression of a stance where consciences are stirred and young people gain awareness. I would like to thank all the academic and administrative staff who contributed to the organization of this event. With a wish for a world where peace and justice prevail and for the end of the war, oppression, and tears, I hope for a healthy, happy, and peaceful academic year for all students.”
The students who attended the event expressed the gratitude they feel for such an opportunity to have this meaningful topic as the first lesson of the year.
