On March 7^th, 2009, the Ramallah Center for Human Rights Studies (RCHRS) started its training course for students at Al Azhar University and Al Aqsa University in the Gaza Strip.  The initiative is part of RCHRS’s “Towards Ideological and Political Tolerance Among Palestinian University Students Project”.  This is a joint undertaking with the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation.  

Talal Abu Rube, RCHRS’ coordinator in Gaza explained to participants that the project was designed to instill a culture of tolerance in Palestinian society.  This undertaking is particularly important as serious internal divisions based on ideology and politics continue to put a strain on Palestinian unity.  Mr. Rube noted that this phenomena on painfully apparent in universities where students are forced to endure acts of intolerance and extremism.

The project is divided into five phases with the first including forty hours of training.  The subjects covered include communication and network, principles of democracy and human rights, freedom of opinion and belief, concepts and principles of tolerance, academic freedom, and marginalized communities.  The project reflects the Center’s commitment to building a culture of tolerance, protecting academic institutions, and combating extremism by promoting democratic principles and human rights values in Palestinian society. 

Around 80 students from various faculties participated in the sessions.