Makassar (ANTARA) - Geography Series (G-Series) is an International Office (IO), Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) 's monthly activity in which UNHAS international students are given a golden opportunity to present their country, culture, values, etc. This November, the IO invited the Palestinian students to contribute. The G-Series was held on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at Prof Latanro Lecture Theater, Faculty of Economics and Business Graduate School.
Seven Palestinian students studying at UNHAS, there were six who were pleased to welcome the participants, such as Hanadi Shaheen, Imran Abu Libda, Osama Shalash, and Mustafa Alaswad, Ali A. M. Elayyan and Abdulrahman Alasttal. The G-Series began with a welcome remark by the Head of IO, represented by Muhammad Ridwan, M.A. (Secretary of IO).
The presentation started with singing the national anthem of Palestine called Fida'i (Sacrifice), in which all the audience rose to respect the anthem. The Palestinian students prepared the slide presentation comprising six categories, including the question and answer with prizes. Regarding identity, the Palestinians are rooted in a deep sense of connection to the land, general overall history, and culture.
They also presented the Palestinian flag and its meaning. Four colors are used in the flag. Namely, the red symbolises sacrifice and martyrdom. Meanwhile, black symbolises injustice and abuse. The white colour represents peace and love. The last one was green, meaning the nature of Palestine.
Each student took turns presenting informative presentations, such as the Palestinian population reaching approximately 14,5 million as of 2023. This includes 5,49 million residing in Palestine and 9,02 million in the diaspora.
The country is home to three world religions: Islam, Christianity, and Jews. Islam is the majority, 90%, while Christianity is about 6%, and the language widely spoken is Arabic. The presentations continued with the historical aspects of the country, including the British Mandate from 1917 to 1948.
In the year of 1948, Al-Nakba and the catastrophe. The second Nakba happened in 1967 and was followed by the Intifada in 1987. During this time, the Oslo Accords occurred and suggested the two states stand together. In 2000, the second Intifada happened again, and in 2006, Gaza and West Bank split.
After they conveyed information that made the heart sorrowful due to the war and conflict, these Palestinian students then invited the audience to see the beautiful parts of Palestine by saying fasten your seat belt as the flight attendant instructed the passengers on board the flight.
The slides started with its culture, including family ties, music and dance, arts and crafts, food, traditional clothing, and dialect. When showing the picture of types of Palestinian food, Hanadi, one of the presenters, said a couple of times that should any audience wish to enjoy the food, please fly directly to the country. The audience reacted with smiles and laughs.
The audience, including UNHAS lecturers, students, and alums, joined this G-Series with approximately 250 people; the room's capacity was only 120. As a result, some of the audience had a seat on the ladder and the floor, and others were still standing outside the theater. The audience showed their enthusiasm to come, as the war and conflict in the country have been on the air since early October, 2023.
Before closing, the presenters proposed a quiz to engage the audience. The G-Series was officially closed by the Head of IO, Andi Masyitha Irwan, Ph.D and presented tokens to all speakers. The G-Series was moderated by Agung Sutrisno, an IO student volunteer, and ended with a photo session.
