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After serving seven years as an administrator at Bethlehem University in the Holy Land, Brother Jack Curran, FSC, is returning to the Albany Diocese for a presentation on life in the Middle East. 

During his talk, to be held July 13 at Albany Public Library, the Troy native hopes to help clarify the complex and controversial situation in the Middle East, while explaining how life in the Holy Land differs from its portrayal in the media. 

He will also discuss the significant role played by Bethlehem University as "an oasis of peace in the midst of a difficult socio-political situation."

Jointly founded in 1973 by the Vatican and the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Bethlehem University is the first university established in the West Bank and the only Catholic university in the Holy Land. Brother Curran has been vice president for development since 2003.

Respect and justice
Brother Curran said the University works to attain peace in the Middle East by "advancing understanding, building respect for others, and promoting justice in all that we do." 

The student body, which is approximately two-thirds Muslim and one-third Christian, is encouraged to "build bridges and foster relationships through understanding and education."

As an administrator, Brother Curran is involved in growth and development efforts, and often meets with religious and political leaders who visit the university. 

However, he said his work and interaction with the students is "what keeps me going."

Brother Curran believes his role as an educator is to encourage future generations to "treasure the past, to respect the present and to discover the future in a way that values people, serves others and is faithful to our God."

Although the school has been closed 12 times by Israeli military orders, he said the students have a real "thirst for education," and are always willing to attend make-up days of class. He recalled instances of students whose homes had been bulldozed appearing in class the next day.

Daily life
During his presentation, Brother Curran also hopes to remind Americans that life in the Middle East does not consist entirely of fear and suicide bombings. 

"Life is not always violent in the Middle East," he explained, pointing out that its inhabitants live regular lives, just as they would anywhere else: "People get married, have families, raise kids, and celebrate birthdays."

Brother Curran grew up with six siblings in Troy and Loudonville, where he attended LaSalle Institute and was a member of St. Pius X parish. He attended Manhattan University and earned his graduate degree in social work from The University at Albany. 

Of his education, he said: "My high school and college experiences with the brothers [at LaSalle] and their commitment to education and to the well-being of younger people helped to shape my life course."

When asked by his religious order to consider serving at a university abroad, Brother Curran chose Bethlehem University because "it was a place where people came together to support each other in their efforts to be positive and peaceful and to be in opposition to injustice and hatred."

By educating future generations, he said, the University of Bethlehem has a lasting impact in the Middle East. 

Alums all over
"A number of grads are on the faculty [at the university], but then there are some who have founded nonviolence peace NGOs in the Middle East," he explained, adding that other university alumni work as headmasters and principals in high schools and grammar schools throughout the Middle East.

Brother Curran said American Catholics can promote peace efforts through prayer, both for those in leadership positions and those who call the Middle East home. 
He also encourages Americans to "seek additional information and understandings of the complexities of the Middle East," beyond the small bits of information provided by our news media.

The speaker recommended visiting the Holy Land as a member of a pilgrim group and asked Americans to encourage their elected representatives to visit Palestine and Bethlehem University.

Brother Curran said he looks forward to the question-and-answer segment of his presentation, where he hopes to clear up misconceptions regarding life in the Holy Land.

He described Bethlehem University as a "great network of support" of which all Catholics should be proud. The Albany Diocese, in particular, has strong ties to the University, which benefits from the support of several local donors.

He said, "It's nice to know a part of your Church is serving the Middle East and doing a really good job."
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