Al-Quds University Officially Recognizes CARDIG-Jerusalem: Pioneering the First Legally Recognized Cardiology Interest Group in Palestine

A Remarkable Achievement

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Jerusalem, September 29, 2025 – In a historic milestone for cardiovascular education and student-led innovation, Al-Quds University has granted official recognition to the Cardiology Interest Group of Jerusalem (CARDIG-Jerusalem). This achievement establishes CARDIG-Jerusalem as the first and only legally recognized university-based Cardiology Interest Group in Palestine, empowering medical students to advance research, education, and global collaborations in this critical field.

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Official AQU Recognition

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The formal certification from Dr. Mazen AlKhatib, Dean of Student Affairs at Al-Quds University, dated September 27, 2025, confirms CARDIG-Jerusalem as the sole approved cardiology interest group at the institution. The letter states clearly:

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To whom it may concern,

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On behalf of Al-Quds University, I, Dr. Mazen AlKhatib, Dean of Student Affairs, certify that the Cardiology Interest Group of Jerusalem (CARDIG-Jerusalem) is the only approved Cardiology Interest Group for Al-Quds University, and has my permission and support to seek affiliation with the American College of Cardiology (ACC).

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CARDIG-Jerusalem Founding Team of Officials is led by the student leaders listed below with their official CARDIG emails:

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Executive Board

External President Salem Qupp (president-ext@cardig.me)

Internal President ZainEdeen Zyadah (president-int@cardig.me)

Vice President Seham Madaka (vicepresident@cardig.me)

Secretary General Ihab Hemeid (secretary@cardig.me)

Treasurer Lana Helal (treasurer@cardig.me)

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Cardioscience Division

Cardiology Education Officer Mohammad Shweiki (caeo@sci.cardig.me)

Cardiology Research Officer Elie Malki (caro@sci.cardig.me)

Cardiology Skills Officer Joyce Morcos (caso@sci.cardig.me)

Cardiology Journal Club Officer Yaman Ayasa (cajo@sci.cardig.me)

Cardiology Guidelines Officer Asad Omarion (cago@sci.cardig.me)

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Cardiosupport Division

Cardiology Membership Officer Hala Hamri (camo@sup.cardig.me)

Cardiology Brand Officer Reem Bzoor (cabo@sup.cardig.me)

Cardiology Projects Officer Mohammad Raddad (capo@sup.cardig.me)

Cardiology Technical Officer Rami Mualllem (cato@sup.cardig.me)

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Faculty Advisor: Dr. Mohammad Naser, Interventional Cardiologist (mmohammad@staff.alquds.edu)

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Date: September 27th 2025, Saturday

Dr. Mazen AlKhatib

Dean of Student Affairs

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Official Endorsement from the Faculty of Medicine

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The recognition process was supported by pivotal endorsements from university deans and professors. Dr. Hani Abdeen, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, provided a strong endorsement, emphasizing the initiative's benefits for student research and knowledge in cardiology:

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"Dear Salem,

After getting the feedback from all concerned and my hunch that CARDIG-Jerusalem will prove to be beneficial to the students research interests and knowledge acquisition in this important field I do wholeheartedly endorse this initiative.

Wishing you and the Team all the best in this endeavour.

Hani Abdeen."

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Additionally, Professor Suhair Ereqat, Full Professor of Molecular Biology and Supervisor of the Medical Research Club, affirmed her endorsement during a meeting on September 27, 2025 (See here). Similarly, Professor Elham Alkateeb, Dean of Scientific Research, commended the group's professionalism in an August 26, 2025 meeting, issuing a formal endorsement letter for the establishment of the Cardiology Interest Group of Jerusalem. (See here)

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Next Steps and Future Impact

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With official recognition secured, CARDIG-Jerusalem is poised to pursue ACC affiliation, host workshops, research projects, journal clubs, and collaborative events. This opens doors for Palestinian students to engage in global cardiovascular discourse, inspiring the next generation of cardiologists.

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ZainEdeen Zyadah, Internal President, and Salem Qupp, External President, jointly stated in a Presidential Public Release:

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Passionate People of the cardiac world in our beloved Jerusalem and beyond,

Today, we stand before you, proud and resolute, to mark a moment that will be remembered in the history of our university and the region. A moment when vision met action, when determination overcame every obstacle, and when a group of students committed to excellence transformed ambition into achievement.

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For months, we have worked tirelessly. We have faced challenges that tested our resolve, questioned our purpose, and even attempted to halt our progress. Yet through every barrier, every doubt, every difficulty, we remained steadfast. We did not act for applause, nor for recognition. We acted for a higher cause: to advance cardiovascular education, research, and leadership in our homeland.

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Many questioned whether it was possible for this student-led initiative to rise or even withstand opposition or distraction.

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Today, the answer is unequivocally clear.

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It is with the highest authority and pride that we formally announce the establishment and official recognition of the Cardiology Interest Group of Jerusalem (CARDIG-Jerusalem) by Al-Quds University. This achievement marks the first and only legally recognized university-based Cardiology Interest Group in Palestine so far, a testament to vision executed with rigor.

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Let it be known:

There was, is, and will only ever be one CARDIG at Al-Quds University: CARDIG-Jerusalem.

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On behalf of the esteemed founding team, we extend our deepest appreciation to every individual who contributed to this achievement. Our work now shifts from establishment to execution. We invite students, clinicians, and academic partners to engage with us as we move forward with determination and integrity. Stay tuned!

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Closing Observations and Acknowledgments

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This achievement reflects Al-Quds University's dedication to healthcare innovation. We extend gratitude to all supporters, including faculty advisors and partners, for making this possible.