For the fourth consecutive year and as part of ‘Know Thy Heritage’ Program, BOP has received a Palestinian youth delegation of expatriates in the premises of its new branch in Bethlehem. The delegation toured several Palestinian institutions and companies that constitute one of the components of Palestinian economy. The delegation was received by BOP Bethlehem Branch Director Salim Hodaly and escorted by the Director of the Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation the implementing agency of the project.
The delegation also visited the Heritage Acquisitions Exhibit hosted by BOP Bethlehem Branch and was introduced to Palestinian heritage acquisitions used more than 400 years ago as well as to heritage tools used by the Palestinian communities in their daily life. The exhibit also displayed old paintings done by Palestinian painters hundreds of years ago.
Through sponsoring and hosting the Palestinian youth delegation of expatriates, BOP aims to expand the base of communication with Palestinians in the diaspora and establish social, economic and cultural links with Palestinian expats. Moreover, BOP seeks to open channels for cultural, social and historical communication with young Palestinians, introduce them to their homeland, and engage them in the state building process.
‘Know Thy Heritage’ is a project that aims to encourage young Palestinian expats to return to their homeland and become acquainted with Palestinian heritage, traditions and norms. The project aims to strengthen the belonging of Palestinian youth to their land hoping that one day they will spread the true picture of Palestine in the country where they are residing.
During the meeting with the young delegation, BOP gave an introductory presentation on Bank of Palestine since its inception in 1960 and the challenges it is facing. In spite of the enormous political and economic challenges, BOP has succeeded in expanding and outreaching in all the Palestinian governorates, villages and camps. Now BOP has 50 branches and offices and more than 120 ATMs. It also has investments in national and international banks. BOP Marketing and Public Relations Division has an Expats Unit the aims of which is to establish channels of communication with Palestinian expats and encourage them to come back to their homeland, buy and investment in national projects.
For their part, the Palestinian delegation, consisting of young female and male Palestinian expats living in the USA, Europe and Latin America, expressed admiration for BOP achievements during the past 50 years. Their questions on BOP future vision and the challenges facing Palestinian national economy were answered.