Shortly after PASSIA was founded the first intifada broke out in 1987. For the next four years whilst I gathered the material for my book ‘Living the intifada’ PASSIA was my haven. Mahdi acted not only as an advisor and key informant, he was also a friend and a host who made me feel welcome and at home. Since those early days my relationship with PASSIA and with Mahdi has remained one of the constants in my professional and personal life.

Dr Andrew Rigby, Professor of Peace Studies, Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Studies, Coventry, UK

As some may know, PASSIA's desk diary has been my dear daily guide since the very first 1987 edition. Let me share with you a view presented at one of PASSIA's Ambassador Hotel events in 1999, when Palestinian analysts and decision-makers were debating the usefulness of a constitution. Germany was then celebrating 50 years of its Post-World War II constitution. We had invited the German Minister of Justice, Professor Herta Däubler-Gmelin,  to talk about the perspective of issuing principles that should govern the actions of the Palestinian Authority, the PLC and so on, by way of a written constitution. The main argument in favour was that it served very well the rebuilding of Germany out of ruins, a destructed economy, refugees everywhere, and all the territory occupied. Although the occupying forces were the final decision-makers and sovereignty was remote, this constitution did the job until today. Even after unification with the former German Democratic Republic in 1990, not a word was changed. Full sovereignty came more than 40 years after the implementation of that constitution - a guideline which shaped the rules of the game in German politics, economics and society as a whole quite successfully even in the most difficult times. Imagine what could have happened in the non-disputed and disputed areas of  the Palestinian Authority, if such a constitution has been put into practise in 1999. Opinions may vary, but PASSIA has always been and - I do hope - will remain the place for thought-provoking ideas to discuss.

Matthes Buhbe, FES Representative in Jordan and the West Bank from 1986-1990, and in East Jerusalem from 1998-2002.

It has been said in the past that "others have brain trusts while we do not trust the brain". If PASSIA did not exist we would have had to invent it. Our Jerusalem has been deliberately plunged into historical decline. PASSIA plays an important role in keeping or protecting a semblance of centrality of Jerusalem in Palestinian political and intellectual life. Best wishes for a dynamic and vibrant PASSIA.

Afif Safieh, Head of the PLO Mission to the United States

It was a singular honor for me to participate in several discussions at PASSIA and to be asked to author a volume for you, and I was just delighted by the appearance of Constitutionalism and Palestinian Constitutional Development.  Over the years I have found the caliber of scholarship that takes place at and through PASSIA to be absolutely first rate.  I have used your publications in my classes and my research, and I have proudly told others of my experience working with you.  My experience in the summer of 2005 doing one of your workshops in Ramallah was extraordinarily stimulating, and I am deeply grateful for the invitation to participate.

You - collectively and individually - have played an extremely important role in keeping the flow of information and discussion open during a period in which this required a great deal of effort and courage, and I believe that all who know you and have had the good fortune to work with you believe the same thing.

Gregory Mahler, Provost and Professor of Political Science, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA

I have had the honor and privilege to work and collaborate with the PASSIA since its establishment 20 years ago. Based on my experiences and memories, I can vouch that PASSIA has made numerous accomplishments in the political and academic fields, thus becoming during the past two decades a reliable and credible reference and source of information to the governments and NGOs locally and internationally in terms of accurate information and analysis, especially that it leads a neutral, liberal and non-partisan approach with unmitigated objectivity.

PASSIA has made it a habit to tackle the general political and religious issues inside the same society and in some cases was courageous to conduct Christian and Islamic interfaith dialogue to present the true and honest image of reality in its pursuit for constructive dialogue and Islamic-Christian national unity.

On its 20 th anniversary, I feel urged to extend my congratulations and blessings to the founders and all those who run this Palestinian national organization that serves basically the Palestinian people through its valuable and useful lectures and seminars, in addition to its tireless work to make the Palestinian moderate voice be heard all over the world.

We extend our blessings to the Director of PASSIA our brother Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi and all the team working in it on this happy occasion and we wish you all best of luck in your diligent work and we hope you will proceed in your work and message to promote and consolidate the issues of justice, peace, reconciliation and human rights.

God Bless you all

Bishop Dr. Munib Younan, Head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and Deputy Head of the Lutheran World Federation

Since its establishment in 1987 PASSIA in occupied Jerusalem, under the leadership of Dr Mahdi Abd al-Hadi, has been foremost in the defence of Palestinian rights, and uniquely provided a home for the nurturing and development of critical Palestinian and international scholarship, research and publications; a place where critical Palestinian-Palestinian, Palestinian-international, and Arab-Hebrew conferencing and brain-storming could take place without fear of abuse or intimidation; an address where any party seeking critical intellectual and scholarly independence would inevitably be directed.

In the ugliness and stupidity of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, PASSIA in Jerusalem has been an essential and radiant shelter, and Mahdi Abd al-Hadi not only a worthy graduate of the University of Bradford, but also a most valued personal friend.

Dr. Uri Davis, Founder of the Movement Against Israeli Apartheid in Palestine (MAIAP) and of AL-BEIT: Association for the Defence of Human Rights in Israel. , Sakhnin

PASSIA is the best!  An invaluable resource for scholars and analyst from around the world who want to learn more about Palestinian history, culture, politics and social reality.  PASSIA seminars, publications (including the wonderful annual diary!) and open door policy towards visitors engenders a deep understanding of Palestinian interests and concerns, thereby enhancing the chances for peace.  I find PASSIA's emphasis on Arab perspectives on Jerusalem, its inter-faith dialogue and the way it cultivates young Palestinians interested in international affairs particularly impressive.  I wouldn't visit Jerusalem without coming to PASSIA to share thoughts, hummos and chocolate with Mahdi and his wonderful staff. 

Constance Mayer, Senior Middle East Analyst, US Department of State

As the Director of an Israeli Research Center I have had the privilege to have cooperated with PASSIA for more than a decade. PASSIA has always provided a platform for open exchange between scholars from both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian divide. Although we often disagreed, the debate was always honest, serious and civil, even when differences ran very deep. That is a rare achievement in our region and credit is due to Dr Mahdi Abdel Hadi and his team for a job truly well done.

Professor Asher Susser, Director, Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern Studies

PASSIA has been instrumental is live dialogue and documentation on relevant hot as well as historical issues pertaining to peace in the region, more than any other organization. In addition, PASSIA achieved a milestone in research and human resource development providing a group of Palestinians who are future decision makers. Best wishes and Keep up the quality work.

Ishaq Y, Al-Qutub, Ph.D., President, Arab Student Aid International, Dublin, Ohio, USA

There is a natural tendency in a context of conflict for partisanship to preclude a desire to understand the other side(s) involved.  PASSI A is characterized by not only a desire to present issues that reflect the challenges that Palestinian society has to confront , but also by an impressive desire to understand the character of Israeli society and its Jewish roots.

The conferences, consultations and lectures under PASSIA's auspices that I have been involved in have provided a refreshing opportunity to genuinely encounter different opinions and perspectives and to be able to present such.  I especially recall with affection a program held in Ramallah where I lectured on the diversity of Jewish religious expression in Israeli society, before an impressive group of young Palestinian professionals and activists, and the stimulating discussion that ensued.

PASSIA's work enriches the discourse in the Holy Land and not only provides a safe place for divers e and often controversial opinion, but also provides for analysis and proposals for future solutions upon which the destiny of both peoples and the three religions of the Holy Land d epend.

Chief Rabbi David Rosen, International Director of Interreligious Affairs, The American Jewish Committee, and President, International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations  

PASSIA has established itself as an institution of academic and analytical research that serves the needs of the Palestinian society and that sheds light on the scientific work and research on all matters that have been dealt with by the media or orientalists with superficial analysis.

I got to know PASSIA and my friend Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi since the start of its work and I kept following up its publications which have become an important working tool for us politicians and intellectuals in the country and abroad. PASSIA has gained itself reputation and respect from all research and media institutes and politicians dealing with the Middle East issues, especially the Palestinian cause.

I extend on this occasion gratitude and appreciation to PASSIA and to every member of its team with my best wishes for a continuous fruitful journey of work, dedication and scientific research.

MK. Dr. Ahmad Tibi, Member of The Knesset, Ra'am Ta'al Party

For the last twenty years PASSIA has been in the forefront in Palestine organizing workshops, roundtable discussions, seminars and publishing important strategy papers and monographs on the burning issues affecting the future of Jerusalem and Palestninian society.  I salute Mahdi Abdul Hadi and the dedicated team of PASSIA researchers and scholars on their outstanding work in these trying times.

Dr. Salim Tamari, Director of the Institute of Jerusalem Studies

So what is PASSIA to me - except for the place in East Jerusalem, where you always get the most recent analysis of what is going on in Palestine and between Israelis and Palestinians, where you always feel welcome, are always taken care of in a warm, personal way by Mahdi, Deniz and the other team members? Above that, what I have appreciated most about PASSIA and its work were its constant efforts to build a new generation of Palestinians - conscious of their “own”, but prepared to live together with the “other” - and professional in what they are doing and trying to achieve. A personal highlight for me was my participation in a training seminar for would-be Palestinian diplomats: young people eager to learn about the world around them and how to interact with it diplomatically in a time when diplomacy, as so often, did not define the Palestinian-Israeli relationship.

Prof. Dr. Volker Perthes, Chairman and Director, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (German Institute for International and Security Affairs), Berlin

Ever since arriving in Palestine, and even prior, PASSIA has been a daily item in my life. While in the Diaspora, the renowned PASSIA Directory was the first place to find accurate listings of people, places and facts. Once on the ground in Palestine, the directory became an even more important tool, but in addition, the PASSIA Roundtable Discussions become a staple in my political discourse. The roundtables are a place where real discussion happens. When speakers revert to traditional sloganeering, PASSIA's Executive Director, Mahdi Abdul Hadi, can be counted on to bluntly return the discussion to our bleak reality.  At this 20 year milestone, I salute all of PASSIA's dedicated staff and wish them success for another 20 years.

Sam Bahour, Founder and head of Applied Information Management (AIM), Ramallah

It will be hard for me to compete with the colleagues and friends when praising and appreciating the admirable works by PASSIA and its founder and director Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi for the last twenty years to convey to the whole world and to academics, in particular, the struggle of his Arab Palestinian people towards the end of the notorious occupation and the establishment of their independent state with al-Quds al-Sharif as its capital.

PASSIA's scores of seminars and publications in various languages largely contributed as an eye-opener to millions on what is really happening in Palestine and in gaining their support to the struggling Palestinian people.

One of the most important achievements of PASSIA, in general, and of Dr. Abdul Hadi, in particular, is that they opened their doors in front of the peace supporters in Israel who participated effectively in the activities of PASSIA, especially in the constructive dialogues and debates on the outstanding issues between the two peoples, and in seeking solutions to these issues, thus strengthening the ties and friendly relations between many Israeli and Palestinian academic figures.

I gain pride in my strong relations with my brother Dr. Abdul Hadi, the peace advocate, for many years with my best wishes and warmest regards on this happy occasion.

Latif Dori, Secretary of the Committee for Israeli-Palestinian Dialogue

For more than a decade I watched PASSIA empowering young Palestinian scholars by providing them with a chance to share their ideas and get feedback through PASSIA's round-table discussions.

Dr. Mustafa Abu Sway, Head of the Islamic Research Center, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) congratulates PASSIA and Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi on PASSIA's 20 th anniversary and conveys its very best wishes for the future. PASSIA has been FES 's closest Palestinian partner for the last 20 years. This relationship began with a joint seminar on German-Palestinian relations – right after PASSIA’s establishment in 1987 - and grew stronger over the years. Successive FES representatives in Amman and East Jerusalem have appreciated the opportunity for frank and stimulating dialogue, backed by academic excellence and political commitment, that Passia provides. Of course, we have had our disagreements, but throughout, we have been close partners and friends.

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful

I would like to greet you with my heartfelt congratulations, upon the occasion of PASSIA’s 20 th anniversary. It is due of mention that your organization has filled the huge academic gap which presided over the city of Jerusalem. The different activities organized by PASSIA have mirrored the harsh situation that we are living in and henceforth provided us with a venue of relief from the feeling of suffocation that has imbued our souls. The various seminars, workshops, debate and analysis forums, publications, position papers, provided us with a permanent point of reference. Many of the rare ideas and contributions that PASSIA has come up with were a result of those workshops, seminars and meetings. One has to also stress the importance of PASSIA’s renewed attention to a positive atmosphere of religious discourse with seminars aimed at providing important comparative elements between the religions, which promoted better understanding and tolerance, thus enhancing the meeting of civilizations and their interactivity for the sake of the welfare of the community.

As for the PASSIA diary it has always been “a friend indeed” for a “friend in need”. This organization is endowed with impressions of the city of Jerusalem, and its presence is an essential element under all circumstances. We wish that other organizations could achieve such success and superiority for the favor of serving the land and the people. We shake hands with you, thank you all, and wish you more and more success in serving the generations to come. Undoubtedly, people will point their fingers at the success of your organization during this current period in history.

Your brother,

Engineer Adnan Al-Husseini, Director of the Islamic Waqf, Jerusalem

In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious Most Merciful

Praise be to Allah. May Allah bestow his prayers and peace upon the prophet, his family, companions, and followers.

We have been involved with PASSIA, through its academic seminars and deep discussions. PASSIA is considered to be a an important venue for the meeting of objective leaders and thinkers, as well as a channel of communication with the international community in all its diversity. PASSIA has had many achievements, including its documentary publications.

I commend the efforts of its benefactors and its team members who work under the direct supervision of its director, our brother Dr. Mahdi Fouad Abdel Hadi (May Allah protect him).

May God reinforce your steps to advance. Peace be upon you…

Your Brother

Dr. & Sheikh Ekrima Sa’ed Sabri, Iman of Al-Aqsa Mosque; Head of the Islamic Supreme Committee, Jerusalem.

I first discovered PASSIA in December 1990 during the first Intifada when I was advised to visit PASSIA. I found the place shuttered but not closed. Dr Mahdi Abdul Hadi was there and despite having other plans, he agreed to see me and presented me with a PASSIA Diary (always much more than a calendar and now an established and indispensable resource for Palestinians and foreigners alike) and so a connection was made, and a bond forged, that has endured and deepened, over all the intervening years, till now.

That first visit illustrates well what PASSIA has come to mean to me and many other visitors to the Israeli-Palestinian battlefront in Jerusalem. PASSIA is a beacon, a little oasis, in an embattled city and increasingly bitter conflict. It is for me:

Thank you PASSIA, the institution, the idea, the staff, the meeting place and the inspiration for making every one of my many visits to Palestine over the years something memorable, informative and hopeful, however poignantly. May PASSIA the institution, the brainchild and life-work of Dr Mahdi and all those who have worked with you to make it so good, have the recognition and fulfilment you deserve.

Dr. Rosemary Hollis, Director of Research, Chatham House, London

We have had the great privilege of working together with PASSIA for nearly a decade. The encounters included high level academic exchanges involving The Van Leer Jerusalem Institute’s (VLJI) Senior Fellows, and Palestinian academics led by Dr. Mahdi. In these symposia, we discussed various topics that concern the regional conflict and issues of mutual interest. We have also met with Dr. Mahdi at our own Institute to discuss cultural and social matters affecting Jerusalem, and to plan joint activities. His vast experience, erudition and political wisdom permeated the discussions and left all of us wiser.

On one occasion, we asked Dr. Mahdi to present a paper at a conference that was convened with little preparation time. Despite the short notice of less than 24 hours, he accepted the invitation to articulate the Palestinian perspective without hesitation and proceeded to elucidate his views in a manner that won him the admiration and respect of the audience. It is our sincere hope that this collegial, balanced and productive relationship between PASSIA and VLJI will persevere and we wish the organization and its leadership many years of sustained and innovative academic and policy work.

Dr. Shimshon Zelniker, Head of the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute

I was initially introduced to PASSIA in 1991 after my return from my post-graduate study in Germany. During this first visit to PASSIA I was accompanied by Faisal Al-Husseini. Faisal considered this place a Palestinian home, and an independent venue for roundtable discussions that embraced different points of view. By then, I had found PASSIA to have consolidated its mission and objectives as well as its programs.

PASSIA’s roundtable discussions, its numerous bulletins, its lectures, dialogues, its annual diary, its website, are not the only way through which I have been acquainted with PASSIA. Its director Mahdi Abdel Hadi, (who refers to PASSIA as the house of all Palestinians), has always been occupied with two pressing issues. The first is the issue of creating a clear Palestinian vision, with a comprehensive set of objectives, and action plans, in order to consolidate a solid Palestinian position. These principle points were accompanied by some urgent meetings, and some other meetings that are more relaxed but containing long-term programs. These attempts to consolidate a national public position have continued even after the establishment of the Palestinian National Authority.

The second issue that remained at the heart of PASSIA’s concerns is the question of Jerusalem. Jerusalem has constituted a main element in the PASSIA’s work, its bulletins, and programs. This question has emerged throughout the years as a complicated and heavy burden, for which PASSIA has invited the help and thoughtful contributions of all individuals who wished to involve themselves in the quest.

The vision of Jerusalem was always based on the fact that Jerusalem has many facets, the national, Arab, Islamic, Christian, and international elements. In order to carry this burden Dr. Mahdi has always insisted on involving the national leaders, in addition to the Islamic, Christian, and international community, as well as other active organizations in the city. At a time when Jerusalem lacked agendas, and was sometimes considered a lost case, Dr. Mahdi hoped that this approach could preserve the character of the city, and strengthen its importance as a vital question on the political agenda.

When entry of Jerusalem became nearly impossible for the majority of political activists, PASSIA opened another branch in Ramallah, in order to retain communication between Jerusalem and the other Palestinian territories. And so, PASSIA carried its concerns to Ramallah, to be close to the decision-makers. PASSIA has henceforth become an integral part of the political and independent academic scene, and has become an indispensable source of information that every researcher, politician who is concerned about the Palestinian issue is bound to refer to.

Congratulations to PASSIA, and its team members, on their 20 th anniversary, wishing them to remain a permanent and independent Palestinian home, open to everyone, serious and active.

Nazmi Al Ju’beh, RIWAQ, Center For Architectural Conservation, Ramallah

It is interesting to see for the first time how a Palestinian Diary has evolved to become a mini-encyclopedia. It would be strange to function at work without PASSIA's diary being handy since this valuable 'book' has become an annual documentation source for archiving essential data and developments in Palestine and beyond. Every time I choose a topic of interest to write about PASSIA diary was an indispensable source of information.

Sabri Saidam PhD, Birzeit Innovation Group (BIG)