PRESS RELEASES

U.S. Consulate General Jerusalem Joins Al-Quds University for a Community Clean-Up 

Press Release

May 6, 2007

Jerusalem

For Immediate Release 

Staff and families from the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem joined faculty and students from Al Quds University to draw attention to the importance of caring for the environment by planting trees and cleaning up the neighborhood around the University’s Beit Hanina campus.  

Coming soon after Earth Day (April 22), the event resulted in the planting of 100 trees.  Consulate and University volunteers said the event gave them a chance to help protect the local environment.  Stacy Barrios, Cultural Affairs Officer at the Consulate, said she had participated in similar events in the U.S. to celebrate Earth Day and was pleased to have the chance to contribute to keeping Jerusalem clean.  “At this time of year, tree plantings and community clean-ups are organized by citizen groups all across America,” Barrios said.  “I am proud to have the opportunity to share in such an important activity with the Al Quds University community.” 

Al-Quds University Acting Vice-President, Dr. Hasan Dweik, said the environment in the 21st century is facing many dangers.  “Such activities to preserve the environment, earth and water, are also important to spread awareness among youth who comprise one third of the Palestinian society,” Dweik noted. 
 

For more information please contact the U.S. Consulate’s Press Office at 02-622-6908 or 02-622-6909 or Public Affairs Officer Micaela Schweitzer-Bluhm at 054-678-8456.

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