Youth
Programs at Al-Liqa’ Center 1993- Present
Based on the
long experience acquired by the officials of Al-Liqa’ Center
in the two conferences of Heritage and Theology, they
decided to establish the youth section at the Center due to
the important role of the youth in planting the seeds of
love, understanding, renouncing sectarianism and
discrimination, working toward mutual respect and building a
democratic and pluralistic society. Accordingly, the first
youth conference was held on 23-25 July 1993 in Talitha Qumi
School in Beit Jala. The second conference took place Sept
24 – Oct. 1995 where about 40 Muslims and Christians
participated in it. It was held in Cyprus for a period of
one week. This conference strengthened and firmly
established the faith of Al-Liqa’s officials in the
necessity of working with the youth. This is what was
actually done in the past years. Youth met together several
times and discussed many questions of interest for them and
for the homeland and the future of our people. The Heritage
Conference and the Theology Conference also contributed
throughout the past years in bringing together the children
of the one people from the Galilee to Gaza. This helped to
build ties of intimate relations and a greater knowledge of
the concerns of the children of our people. Also the Youth
Section and the Youth Conference followed the same road. The
gathering of youth from the Galilee to Gaza was a success
and embodiment of the goals of Al-Liqa’ among which is the
continuity of communication among all. The interest of Al-Liqa’
Center in the youth was prominent by holding lectures,
seminars and contests for students of preparatory and
secondary schools in several regions either during the month
of blessed Ramadan or the Lent period or in other religious
occasions. The goal was to increase the religious and
national awareness of the youth and to encourage them in
constructive dialogue and mutual respect.