International Online Report (Reporter Sun Lingli): The Palestinian Al-Quds University is located in Abdis, the eastern suburbs of Jerusalem, where the first and only Confucius Institute in Palestine is located. During the Spring Festival of the Year of the Tiger, the Chinese teachers of the Confucius Institute at Al-Sharif University still stuck to their posts and spent a different Spring Festival.
Chinese teachers at the Confucius Institute at Al-Quds Al-Sharif University, from left to right: Yi Fei, Shi Rui, Xiao Zhongmin, Zhang Mengqian, Luo Xin, Zhang Chen (departed)
During the Spring Festival of the Year of the Tiger, Xiao Zhongmin, dean of the Confucius Institute, and 4 Chinese teachers still stuck to the Al-Quds Al-Sharif University in Palestine. The 55-year-old Dean Xiao has an indissoluble relationship with the Confucius Institute at Al-Quds University and has participated in and witnessed the establishment of this Confucius Institute since 2015. In December 2020, Xiao Zhongmin once again set foot on Palestinian soil and began to serve as the Chinese director of the Confucius Institute at Al-Quds University.
Xiao Zhongmin said: "When I came to the Confucius Institute, I was in the midst of the new crown epidemic, and in May last year, there was a serious conflict between Palestine and Israel, and the canteen of Al-Quds University was also burned down by incendiary bombs of the Israeli army. What touched me was that even in this case, the teachers did not back down, no one proposed to withdraw, and all insisted on normal teaching and cultural exchange work. The living conditions here are more difficult, and there is basically no entertainment activities after work, but they can adapt to the new environment as soon as possible and devote themselves to work. ”
This is the third Spring Festival spent in Palestine by Chinese teacher Yi Fei. Every year during the Spring Festival, the Chinese Office in Palestine will send a New Year gift package, so that he can feel the taste and warmth of the motherland. And the warm friendliness of the Palestinians also made him unforgettable.
Yi Fei said: "I think the people here are very friendly to our Chinese and often help us when we have difficulties. The place where we live is the eastern outskirts of Jerusalem, which is safer and quieter, but life is a bit monotonous. Fortunately, we have several Chinese teachers here, and every New Year's Day we make Chinese New Year's Eve meals together, make dumplings, and everyone gathers for dinner, and it is fun and harmonious, just like a small family. ”
Born in 1992, Shi Rui has just arrived in Palestine for three months and is full of curiosity about everything. When she found that more and more foreigners began to learn Chinese, took the initiative to understand China, and were interested in Chinese culture, she felt both lucky and had a strong sense of mission.
"I haven't been to an Arab country before, I haven't experienced Islamic culture, and I'm curious about life here," Shi Rui said. I opened a video number on my WeChat to shoot and record my life here. The content of the video is the Chinese class of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is almost the New Year, teaching foreigners to write blessing characters, I did not expect to be very popular. ”
Al-Quds University is not far from the Israeli-built separation wall, and due to the special situation in Israel and Palestine, although life on campus is peaceful most of the time, the smell of gun smoke can be felt from time to time. Luo Xinping, a 30-year-old Chinese teacher, first heard gunshots in palestine, but now she is not afraid.
Luo Xin said: "We are not far from the wall, sometimes we hear a series of gunshots, feel the gunshots are very close, and sometimes smell smoke bombs, tear gas. At first, I was more panicked and scared, because I hadn't experienced this in China. Later, I found that none of this affected the lives of the locals, and their lives were as usual, so I slowly got used to it myself. ”
Whether it is the epidemic, the war, or the boring and monotonous amateur life, the teachers of the Confucius Institute have not flinched. Working and living in Palestine became their unique experience. On the occasion of the Spring Festival of the Year of the Tiger, the teachers of the Confucius Institute have sent their blessings to the motherland and their families.
"My parents are in their 80s and I miss them and they care about my safety here. Although we can't go back, my colleagues and I will stand at our posts, earnestly tell the Chinese story, spread the Chinese voice, promote China-Pakistan friendship, and help the motherland prosper. I sincerely wish the Beijing Winter Olympics a complete success! Happy Year of the Tiger to my family and friends! ”
"I want to say to the mother of the motherland that I will do my job well, stick to my job, and do my best to promote Chinese and spread Chinese culture." I also want to say to my family, I am here everything is fine, don't worry. Also hope they take care of themselves! Happy New Year!
"This year is the Year of the Tiger, I hope my family and friends are safe, healthy and healthy, and I wish our motherland prosperity and happiness and well-being!"
"The Year of the Tiger is auspicious, I hope everyone is healthy and healthy!"
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