Muntaha Aqel Student Scholarship

In honor of the late Muntaha Aqel, a Birzeit University graduate, and in recognition of her outstanding career in the field of community and national activities, a distinguished scholarship has been established under her name by her family and friends.

The aim of this scholarship is to provide financial support to a female student from Birzeit University, covering 4 academic years. This scholarship is exclusively available to students’ pursuing studies in Women's Studies, Political Science, or Development Studies. The university’s Financial Aid Unit will select students based on a specific criterion, prioritizing financial needs, academic achievements, and active involvement in both student and community affairs.

Muntaha Aqel was born on June 17, 1969, in her ancestry old home in Ramallah. She was born into a humble family, comprising of five daughters and a son, with Muntaha being the youngest. Her mother dedicated her time to the household, while her father provided for the family. Muntaha's education began at Aziz Shahin School, for her elementary and Junior years, which led to develop a profound affection for learning. She later enrolled at Al-Ahliyya College Secondary School then to Birzeit University, where she got a BA in Business Administration and a Master's degree in Women's Studies.

Muntaha Aqel was a very active community member. Since childhood, she joined Sareyet Ramallah community center and participated in various scouting, social, and artistic activities. In high school, she actively participated in student work and joined the Secondary Students' Committees Union, advocating for student issues, and demands.

Throughout her career, she joined the Palestinian Women's Union and traveled between villages, cities, and refugee camps to address challenges women's faced. Muntaha’s endless dedication to support vulnerable and marginalized segments of society led her to work at the Bisan Center for Research and Development, the Palestinian Child Rescue Foundation, and in the Norwegian Representative Office to the Palestinian Authority.

Muntaha was married to Khalid 'Alyan. They had three children, Nawwar, 'Ammar, and Sara, and she strongly encouraged them to pursue their aspirations. Despite facing many challenges in her life, Muntaha remained actively engaged in the lives of her loved ones.

In tribute to the late Muntaha Aqel, multiple initiatives have been undertaken in her memory, with the most recent being the establishment of the "Muntaha Aqel (Umm 'Ammar) Youth Championship." Organized by the Sports Committee in Nuseirat Camp, this championship took place at the Naseem Sports Field in the Gaza Strip, in the start of 2023.

Near us, here and there, and wherever she was, the echoing sound of her laughter will continue to resonate, saying:

"I love the sea...

I love flowers...

And I love people.

I love to live freely,

With our heads held high."

How to Give

Bank Transfers

Cairo Amman Bank

• Account Name: Board of Trustees Birzeit University
• Branch: Wadi Saqra/ Amman, Jordan
• Account Number: 91068109
• Swift Code: CAABJOAM
  • IBAN (USD): JO17CAAB1150000000090008341124
  • IBAN (JOD): JO61CAAB1150000000090008341108

Bank of Palestine Plc.

• Account Name: Birzeit University 
• Branch: Ramallah Branch
• Account Number: 232888-09
• Swift Code: PALSPS22
• IBAN Number:
  • NIS      PS80PALS046202328880993000009
  • USD     PS95PALS046202328880013000009
  • JOD     PS63PALS046202328880293000009
  • EUR    PS03PALS046202328880333000009