The cultural relations between Italy and the Palestinian Territories and the main cultural initiatives — including the Italian Design Day (held every March), the Italian Language Week in the World (October), and the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World (November) — are carried out directly by the Consulate General of Italy in Jerusalem.
The Consulate General also participates in the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC) group, the European network of organizations that oversee cultural relations in Palestine.
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation funds two Italian language lecturers at Birzeit University (in Ramallah) and at Bethlehem University.
Birzeit University – Ramallah
Starting from the academic year 2015-16, Italian language courses have become optional for students in all degree programs at Birzeit University. These courses are offered by the Department of Languages and Translation within the Faculty of Arts. The university’s aim is to introduce a Minor in Italian Language (27 ECTS) by the academic year 2018/19. Website: www.birzeit.edu
Bethlehem University
Starting from the academic year 2022, Italian language courses have become optional for students in all degree programs at Bethlehem University. These courses are offered by the Department of Art and Literature. Website: www.birzeit.edu
Moreover, the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, grants yearly financial contributions to Terra Sancta High School in Jerusalem and to Terra Sancta College in Bethlehem to support their Italian language teaching programs, directed to over 750 students.
Lastly, the Dante Alighieri Society Committee in Jerusalem and the Dante Alighieri Society Committee in Ramallah organizes monthly activities to promote the Italian language and culture.