The Economics of Occupation and the Business of Development:
A Critical Look at Economic, Business and Palestinian Rights


Where? Ramallah Friends Meetinghouse
(on Main Street next to the Natche Building in Ramallah)

Who? Sam Bahour and Shir Hever

Sam Bahour is a Palestinian-American businessman and activist based in Al-Bireh/Ramallah, Palestine. He is Managing Partner of Applied Information Management (AIM), a management consulting firm specializing in business development with a niche focus on the information technology sector and start-ups. Sam was instrumental in the establishment of PALTEL and the PLAZA Shopping Center and currently serves as a Board of Trustees member at Birzeit University and is the University’s treasurer. He is also a Director at the Arab Islamic Bank and the community foundation Dalia Association. Sam writes frequently on Palestinian affairs and has been widely published. Sam is co-editor of HOMELAND: Oral History of Palestine and Palestinians and may be reached at sbahour@palnet.com.

Shir Hever is an economic researcher in the Alternative Information Center, a Palestinian-Israeli organization active in Jerusalem and Beit-Sahour. Researching the economic aspect of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories, some of his research topics include the international aid to the Palestinians and to Israel, the effects of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories on the Israeli economy, and the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaigns against Israel. His work also includes giving lectures and presentations on the economy of the occupation.

Future topics in this lecture series will include: Social Rights, Cultural Rights, National Rights, Political Rights, Environmental Rights, Right to Education, Right to Housing, Right to Health, Right to Leave One’s Own Country and Return, and others.