The Sebastia Conference at Birzeit University
On 14th of April at Birzeit University and then on the 15th in Sebastia itself, the Sebastia Conference will be held; an event which we hope will advance the current projects in Sebastia and attract the attention and interest of scholars, especially Palestinians, and other experts in the field.
The conference has been organized by four institutions working together in cooperation for the project: ATS Pro Terra Sancta, the Italian Consulate General, the University of Birzeit and the Mosaic Centre in Jericho.
The meeting has been divided in two main sessions, the first part will be hosted by the University, which offers accommodation and up to date technology for those working on the project, and will focus on explaining what work has been completed and what remains to be done for the conservation of the site. The second session will be held in the archaeological site in Sebastia and aims to show the participants the benefits that project brings to the local community in terms of social, cultural and economic fulfillment.
Indeed it is this rare and valuable collaborative effort with the local population and the municipal Sebastia that sets the Sebastia project apart.
Speaking on behalf of the Italian Cooperation Office is the architect Antonio La Rocca, further representatives of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and the President of the University of Birzeit, Khalil Hindi will intervene. We further suggest to you to attend lectures from Father Pappalardo, from the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, Carla Benelli from ATS pro Terra Sancta and Osama Hamdan from the Jericho Mosaic Center