Tulkarm – Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie PTUK hosted today at its main campus in Tulkarm the official press conference announcing the launch of the Third Tulkarm Festival “We Rebuild It Bena’mmerha”, organized by the Tulkarm Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Al-Fajr Media Network, and Just Pro Event Company, with broad participation from public and private sector institutions, civil society organizations, and strategic sponsors.
The festival will kick off on October 20, featuring four days of economic, cultural, and national activities.
At the beginning of the conference, PTUK President Prof. Hussein Shanak welcomed the attendees, affirming that hosting this national event reflects the university’s deep commitment to its societal and national role, and embodies its belief in the importance of integrated partnerships among various sectors to advance development and strengthen national resilience.
Prof. Shanak emphasized that holding the conference at PTUK comes at a difficult time for the Palestinian people, particularly in Gaza, and noted that Tulkarm itself has also suffered from the collective punishment policies that have affected all aspects of life over the past two years.
He added that the “We Rebuild It” festival represents “a collective expression of determination and a constructive partnership aimed at recovery and overcoming challenges.”
He went on to note that, despite the difficult conditions, PTUK has continued to fulfill its educational and research mission, maintaining its belief in the importance of interactive learning while contributing to economic and developmental progress.
The university, he explained, has strengthened its presence in international academic rankings and expanded its academic programs to meet the needs of the Palestinian labor market—guided by its mission to prepare qualified graduates capable of serving their nation and community.
In conclusion, Prof. Shanak thanked the organizers, sponsors, and partners, reaffirming that PTUK remains an open platform for every national initiative that contributes to development and progress, and that it will continue to support every effort that promotes a culture of work, creativity, and perseverance toward liberation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Tulkarm Governor Dr. Abdullah Kmeil praised the university’s role in hosting national events, describing the “We Rebuild It” festival as a symbol of cooperation among all components of the governorate.
He stated: “Reconstruction is not only about rebuilding with stones, but about the unbreakable will of our people.”
Governor Kmeill stressed that, despite the deep wounds caused by aggression in Gaza and Tulkarm, the Palestinian people remain steadfast in their journey of resistance and nation-building.
He further emphasized that strengthening the national economy is essential to resilience and liberation, calling for greater support for Palestinian products and the local market to help confront the challenges imposed by the occupation.
He commended the Chamber of Commerce, Al-Fajr Media Network, the National Bank, and all participating companies, noting that the involvement of over 55 Palestinian companies demonstrates a living model of public-private sector integration.
Mr. Qais Awad, Chairman of the Tulkarm Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed his pride in launching the festival from PTUK’s campus, describing the university as “a hub of knowledge and innovation.”
He noted that the festival is held under the patronage of President Mahmoud Abbas and aims to support the national economy and promote Palestinian products in both local and regional markets.
Mr. Awad added that through this event, the Chamber seeks to embody the spirit of national partnership among the education, economic, and social sectors. The festival, he explained, will feature more than 55 Palestinian companies and factories from various industries, forming a major national and economic exhibition under the slogan “We Rebuild It Together.”
Tulkarm Mayor Dr. Riyad Awad praised the organizers and partners, emphasizing that the festival reflects a spirit of collaboration and solidarity among the governorate’s institutions in confronting the effects of aggression and the siege imposed since mid-2022.
He described the event as a message of resilience and determination, reaffirming the people’s will to rebuild, cooperate, and enhance steadfastness in the face of adversity.
Speaking on behalf of the strategic sponsors, Mr. Zahir Barahmeh, Regional Manager of the Northern District at the National Bank, affirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting economic and social initiatives across the governorates. He highlighted that 52% of the bank’s profits have been allocated to relief efforts in Gaza and other affected areas, stating: “Investing in the Palestinian people is the greatest investment of all.”
Mr. Brahemeh called for expanding national initiatives and strengthening the culture of social responsibility within all sectors.
At the conclusion of the conference, official partnership and sponsorship agreements were signed, marking the formal launch of the festival’s activities on October 20.
Participants emphasized that the partnership with Palestine Technical University – Kadoorie serves as a national model of collective action in advancing development and serving Palestinian society.
