Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs

The Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs (PASSIA) as presented on its own website:

was founded in March 1987 by Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi and by a group of Palestinian academics and intellectuals in Jerusalem -- Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

:PASSIA is an Arab non-profit institution located in Jerusalem/Al-Quds with a financially and legally independent status. It is not affiliated with any government, political party or organization.

:PASSIA seeks to present the Palestinian Question in its national, Arab and international contexts through academic research, dialogue and publication.

:PASSIA endeavors that research undertaken under its auspices be specialized, scientific and objective and that its symposia and workshops, whether international or intra-Palestinian, be open, self-critical and conducted in a spirit of harmony and cooperation.

:PASSIA's projects include a series of seminars on Diplomacy and Protocol, Strategic Studies, the European Community, and Education on Democracy. This seminar program provides a much needed focus inside Palestine for training Palestinian graduates in international affairs with lectures and discussions held by the highest quality Palestinian and foreign specialists.

:PASSIA's involvement in the question of Jerusalem remains extensive. It hosts regular workshops which address different but inter-connected problems concerning the holy city such as access to information, holy sites, Israeli settlement,and viable future municipal arrangements as capital for the two States.

:PASSIA cooperates and coordinates with other Palestinian institutions both inside and outside Palestine in its persistent efforts to ensure a wider understanding of Palestinian issues.

:PASSIA, by providing a forum for the free expression and analysis of a plurality of Palestinian perspectives and methodology, strives to develop and clarify its own and others' understanding of international relations as they affect the Palestinian struggle for justice and peace.