Bethlehem / PNN /
Dr. Timofey Bukov, Director of the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Bethlehem, visited the headquarters of the Palestine News Network (PNN) to explore opportunities for future cooperation and to discuss the center’s activities in Palestine during an interview on PNN’s morning program “Sabaḥna Ghayr.”
PNN Director General Monjed Jadou, joined by colleagues Rana Awaineh and Ahmad Jibran, welcomed Dr. Bukov and briefed him on the network’s work in promoting professional, independent journalism in Palestine. The meeting included discussions on possible avenues for collaboration between the Russian center and PNN.
Speaking on “Sabaḥna Ghayr” — hosted by journalist Rana Awaineh on PNN IPTV and social media platforms — Dr. Bukov explained that the Russian Center for Science and Culture, also known as “The Russian House,” is a diplomatic government institution established in 2012 to strengthen relations between the Palestinian and Russian peoples. He described the relationship as “historic and distinguished,” noting that the center’s activities have been met with wide engagement and appreciation from the Palestinian community.
Bukov said the center has built strong partnerships with various local institutions through diverse programs, particularly the scholarship program. He noted that the Russian government provides 155 scholarships annually to Palestinian graduates across all governorates and disciplines, with applications submitted directly through the center — without intermediaries.
According to Bukov, more than 1,000 Palestinian students have applied for these scholarships, and the center maintains contact with recipients through videos published on its website. He added that efforts are ongoing to expand the scholarship offerings.
In addition to education, the center offers programs in dance, folklore, sports such as kung fu, and intellectual activities like chess, for which a dedicated club has been established. The center also hosts entertainment and cultural courses and participates in public events such as the upcoming Bethlehem Christmas Market. It organizes activities for both the Palestinian community and the local Russian diaspora.
Dr. Bukov emphasized that The Russian House also serves as a bridge between Palestinian and Russian institutions, helping coordinate delegations and exchange visits. He cited visits by representatives from the Russian University of Economics and the Russian Institute of Archaeology to Palestine, as well as future initiatives that will be announced after implementation.
He added that the center recently sent a delegation of young Palestinian journalists to Russia as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral cultural ties through such exchanges.
As part of its expansion efforts, the center recently organized its first music concert in Bethlehem and launched a Russian language course for youth in the Aida and Dheisheh refugee camps.
Answering a question from host Rana Awaineh, Dr. Bukov said the center’s work is not limited to Bethlehem, noting active efforts to expand activities in other governorates such as Hebron and Ramallah. He mentioned plans to open branches of the Russian Center in additional Palestinian cities.
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Bukov encouraged Palestinian youth to learn more about Russia firsthand:
“Russia is one of the world’s leading countries in science and education. Unfortunately, some attempt to distort its image — including among Palestinians. I urge young people not to believe such misinformation but to discover Russia’s culture and civilization themselves through the Russian House and official Russian platforms.”
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