19 December 1996 -- Today, as Birzeit wound down for the Christmas holiday, students 'protested' against their exams in front of the administration building. A crowd of students gathered with smiles as the protesters denounced the fact that "students are held as political prisoners by examinations". The mock demonstration takes place on the last day of examinations, just as the university is breaking up. Many students and other local residents will head off to Bethlehem tomorrow for the Christmas Eve festivities. The university will be back in operation on the 2nd of January. Until then, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, or as we say here, "Cool sena inter bikhair," loosely translated as "All year be of good strength!"
Webpage and digital photographs by Nigel Parry.