Gaza Students: Education as Escape from Trauma
- Narmine Al-Zeïtonia achieved her degree in agricultural sciences from Al-Azhar university of Gaza in early May,graduating at the top of her class.
- The agriculture department, previously rebuilt with a donation from the King of Morocco after sustaining damage in earlier Israeli offensives, was entirely demolished this time.
- The educational sector faced paralysis in the initial six months following the Oct.
Defying relentless bombings, Gaza students are finding a lifeline in education. Narmine Al-Zeïtonia not only survived the destruction but excelled, graduating at the top of her class, a beacon of hope amid devastation. Discover how an online education program is helping students continue their studies,even as universities face obliteration. Faced with the catastrophic aftermath of the october 7th attacks, universities formed an emergency committee to reaffirm their existence and offer support. This illustrates the powerful role of the primary_keyword, offering a crucial escape for students seeking to rebuild their lives. Explore the impact of secondary_keyword as international aid plays a vital part in ensuring continued access to learning. News Directory 3 covers stories like these that illustrate this strength. What’s next for the students?
Gaza Student Defies Bombs to Earn Degree
Updated May 27,2025
Narmine Al-Zeïtonia achieved her degree in agricultural sciences from Al-Azhar university of Gaza in early May,graduating at the top of her class. This accomplishment comes despite the university, along with 11 other universities in Gaza, being largely destroyed by Israeli bombardments in the fall of 2023.The role of education remains vital.
The agriculture department, previously rebuilt with a donation from the King of Morocco after sustaining damage in earlier Israeli offensives, was entirely demolished this time. Still, the 23-year-old student continued her studies through an online program launched in the summer of 2024 by al-Azhar, Al-Aqsa, and the Islamic University, the three main universities in the Palestinian enclave. This highlights the importance of online learning and its role in continuing education during conflict.
The educational sector faced paralysis in the initial six months following the Oct. 7,2023,Hamas attack.University presidents, hundreds of professors, and thousands of students were killed. Nearly 90,000 students saw their academic paths abruptly halted as others, like the broader Gazan population, were displaced by Israeli military evacuation orders. The importance of student support became clear.
A tough Journey
In the spring of 2024, Al-Azhar, Al-Aqsa, and the Islamic University established an emergency committee and released an open letter affirming their continued operation. “Our buildings have been demolished,but our universities still live,” the letter stated. With international partner support and the creation of an emergency fund called “Isnad,” courses resumed remotely. This shows the vital role international aid plays in maintaining education.
What’s next
The universities plan to expand their online programs and seek further international support to rebuild their campuses, ensuring continued access to education for Gazan students.