Memorial Service Held for Hadiya Bitar

On Friday, September 7, 2001, the Bethlehem University community came together in a Memorial Service for Hadiya Bitar. The service was attended by faculty and staff, the De La Salle Brothers, and the friends of Hadiya, in addition to her two sisters Sabha and Huda. 

Hadiya worked in Bethlehem University for 25 years, and died suddenly of a heart attack. Most recently, she was coordinating the Community Service Program, where she assigned the graduating seniors to community work before they became eligible for graduation. Hadiya was also a member of committee for the Annual Fund Raising Dinner. 

The Service was opened by Brother Vincent Malham, FSC, President - Vice Chancellor. He welcomed Hadiya's sisters Huda and Sabha, and he thanked members of the Bethlehem University community for attending. Father Peter Dubrul presided at the Mass. 

As long-time friend and colleague of Hadiya, Brother Joe Loewenstein, FSC, delivered his reflections on the occasion: 

"Greetings Sabha, Huda, relatives, colleagues and students, friends and acquaintances of Hadiya Bitar. 

We come here today to pray for and to Hadiya Bitar and to remember her fondly as a person, a dedicated teacher and leading light of B.U. faculty, a friend, and a great lady. 

I first met Hadiya in 1978, when I was encouraged to add her name to the Bethlehem University community. She had just completed a program of teaching English as a Second Language and as we were in the early days of out Intensive English Program, she was perfect fit. Little did I know then of the gem of a person and a teacher we were adding to our faculty. She had what I consider the essential quality of a teacher. More than teaching skills and classroom management, she had that personal concern and interest in each individual student. She was truly a follower of St. La Salle, the founder of the Brothers, who considered students the priority concern of teachers and not subjects. From the very beginning, Hadiya's dedication to her students was evident and it became even more evident in her direction and development of the Community Service Program. She was the obvious choice to supervise it. With my office right next to hers, I could not fail to see her interest in the students. There were always lines outside her office, and not only for matters related to community service. I frequently accompanied her on her visits to the villages where the students practiced their voluntary activities (I like to visit the villages). What a relationship she had developed with those involved with our students, and they always seemed to look forward to her visit. Hadiya was delighted when our students were complimented on their effort and when told how much the students would be missed when they completed their work. 

During these difficult times of movement, she was so brave. She was really anxious at the checkpost. She would be so upbeat when allowed to drive through to the University, but somewhat subdued if she had to take that difficult path from the back of Tantur to the taxi on Manger Road. But come she did in spite of it. When I suggested she return home when not allowed entry by car, she always said that was impossible because of her students. What dedication. 

You are truly lucky now, Hadiya, no more checkposts. See what you can do about getting rid of them for the rest of us. 

I consider Hadiya more than a colleague but a friend. We had many opportunities to share activities. But I think some of our greatest times together were during our bridge games. We were great bridge associates, especially in the days of Sister Paula, Brother Vincent Gottwald, Tom Cooney and others. What a clever player she was. I especially liked to be her partner; we usually won, but I wasn't so thrilled when she was my opponent, she usually beat me. 

Finally, I will never forget Hadiya's love and devotion to her sister, Sabha. Wherever Hadiya went there was Sabha. When she went someplace for bridge, there was Sabha sitting nearby with her needlework. When we played bridge at their home, Sabha was always busy in the back of the house, especially when preparing our light supper. Sabha's English is somewhat lacking and she never did learn the meaning of 'light' super and Hadiya never corrected her. 

Hadiya now you can take better care of Sabha from where you are, and be assured that we will take care of her for you. 

God bless you, Hadiya and pray for us. 

May Hadiya and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.