Shawky Fahel, the Founding Donor of the University of Waterloo’s Foundation for Palestinian Studies and the founder of the Friends of the Foundation for Palestinian Studies toured Palestine and Israel from August 18^th to August 27^th.  The purpose of the trip was to deliver the message—the principles, concepts, activities and plans of the Foundation— to academics, not-for-profit organizations and government officials.

The message, that the Foundation for Palestinian Studies aims to spark meaningful dialogue around the history, culture and challenges of Palestinians and to bring in fresh perspectives and established expertise that advance inclusive cultural understanding, conflict resolution and peace building through education and research, was well received.

Shawky met with officials at Birzeit University, including its President Dr. Beshara Doumani; senior staff at St. John Eye Hospital including President Ahmad Ma’ali; officials at the Mossawa Center including President Jafar Farah; and officials at Project Rozana.

Shawky took the opportunity to get updated on the important work being lead by the Mennonite Central Committee in Palestine as well as in other countries in the Middle East.

He also met with several journalists from various news agencies.

Shawky met with the staff at Canada’s Representative Office in Palestine and had the opportunity to fully brief Canada’s Ambassador to Israel, Lisa Stadelbauer.

In all the meetings, Shawky’s message was enthusiastically received. Doors were opened for future dialogue and new opportunities for collaborative initiatives were established.