The Frères Secondary School in Jerusalem celebrated its 150th Jubilee

The Frères Secondary School in Jerusalem celebrated its 150th Jubilee, marking the arrival of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (Frères) to the Holy Land and the founding of the school at New Gate, Jerusalem. The celebration was attended by a large number of dignitaries and friends of the school who came together to share in this cherished occasion for all Jerusalemites.

Among the Brothers present were: Brother Habib Zribi (Visitor General), Brother George Abssi, Brother Daoud Kasabri (School Director), and Brother Albert Alonzo. The event was also attended by Bishop William Shomali (Patriarchal Vicar General in Jerusalem), Ambassador Ihab Suleiman (Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt) accompanied by Mr. Ahmed Al-Mulla, Mr. Nicolas Kassianides (Consul General of France), Mr. Fadi Abbas (President of the Bar Association), former Minister Dr. Hani Abdeen, former Minister of Jerusalem Affairs Mr. Fadi Al-Hidmi, Dr. Nakhleh Bayda (Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the school), Mr. George Naber, and Dr. Osama Abdullah.

The celebration began with a heartfelt address by Mr. Issa Deeb (Master of Ceremonies), followed by a speech from Brother Daoud Kasabri (School Director), who declared:

“Your Excellencies, distinguished national and public figures, brothers and sisters,

Today we stand in the heart of Jerusalem—the city of light, faith, and history—to celebrate together 150 years since the arrival of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and the founding of this historic institution. Our gathering today carries not only the meaning of remembrance but also a clear message: that this celebration is in itself a celebration of Jerusalem, which remains a beacon of hope and a source of spiritual and cultural radiance. Together, we share the responsibility of safeguarding its future, each from his own position and role.

From the very beginning, the Brothers believed that education is the foundation for building the human person and society. They chose this school to be a platform for knowledge, a field for values, ethics, and citizenship. Here, our students learned that Jerusalem is not just a place, but a message, an identity, and a memory that cannot be erased. It is our responsibility to keep it alive in our hearts and to pass it on to future generations.

As we launch the celebrations of the 150th Jubilee of our school, we take pride in its great achievements and in the generations of sons and daughters who have become leaders in various fields, working tirelessly for the advancement of our nation, inspired by the values they learned here.

This institution, which unites knowledge and faith, morality and learning, remains a living testimony to Jerusalem’s role as a cradle of education, generosity, and noble human encounter.

Let us celebrate today not only a glorious past built by the Brothers together with the people of Jerusalem, but also a future that we aspire to build together—brighter, more hopeful, and rooted in faith in Jerusalem, service to our nation, and the building of humankind.

Happy anniversary to our beloved school, and may Jerusalem always remain a beacon of hope and peace.”

This was followed by remarks from Brother Habib Zribi (Regional President). A short film about the school was then presented by teacher Lina Al-Khatib, with editing by Mr. Jires Karbourani.

Bishop William Shomali then gave a brief speech in which he expressed his pride in the La Salle schools, noting that his father was a graduate of the Jerusalem school. The Consul General of France also delivered an address in which he praised the historic and close ties between France and the Frères School.

The program continued with a short film about alumnus Dr. Nakhleh Bayda, recalling some of his memories. After the film, Brother Habib and Brother Daoud presented him with a shield of appreciation and gratitude for his constant support of the school. On this occasion, poet Gabriel Abdullah recited a poem dedicated to the school.

The event concluded with words from Mr. George Naber and Dr. Osama Abdullah, after which all attendees were invited to a reception prepared by the school’s Hospitality College.