In the heart of Gaza, where the sounds of conflict reverberate through the streets, education stands as both a casualty and a beacon of resilience. The ongoing war, which escalated dramatically in October 2023, has transformed schools and universities into ruins or makeshift shelters for displaced families. This relentless violence has not only shattered classrooms but also disrupted the lives and aspirations of countless students and educators, turning the pursuit of knowledge into an act of defiance against despair.
According to U.N. reports, over 85 percent of schools in Gaza have suffered damage, with many completely destroyed. The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor highlights the tragic loss of academic leadership, noting that three university presidents and more than 95 deans and professors have been killed in airstrikes. This grim reality underscores a broader narrative: education in Gaza is no longer merely a pathway to opportunity; it has become a struggle for survival.
Amidst this chaos, four remarkable individuals embody the spirit of perseverance. Their stories reveal the profound impact of war on education and the unyielding hope that persists even in the darkest times.
**Serene Nasrallah**, an assistant lecturer of English at the Islamic University of Gaza, describes her role as having shifted drastically. “I’ve become a mediator,” she explains, struggling to connect with her students amid power outages and internet failures. Teaching has devolved into sharing slides rather than engaging in meaningful dialogue. “I can’t explain. I can’t engage,” she laments, highlighting the emotional toll this has taken on both her and her students. The war has shifted their focus from learning to merely surviving the academic requirements. “They are surrounded by anxiety, fear, and anticipation,” she notes, revealing how the conflict has eroded their mental health and academic performance.
Serene’s commitment to her students remains unwavering, even as she grapples with the haunting memory of a student who succumbed to injuries sustained during the conflict. “How can you ask someone to focus on grammar while they’re burned and broken?” she reflects, a poignant reminder of the human cost of war. Yet, she continues to teach, driven by a hope that one day her efforts might lead to opportunities beyond Gaza. “The most urgent need is not resources — it’s security,” she asserts, emphasizing that true learning can only commence when the violence ceases.
**Heba Alajouz**, a third-year medical student at Al-Azhar University, shares a similar struggle. With her university destroyed and professors unreachable, she has resorted to independent study, scavenging for resources whenever electricity allows. “I miss everything about university life,” she confesses, her nostalgia palpable. The emotional toll of the war weighs heavily on her, as she grapples with the loss of friends and family, including her grandfather, who died due to a lack of medical care. “There is no safe place here,” she states, her voice tinged with despair. Yet, even in her darkest moments, she clings to a powerful belief: “If the Hour (of Judgment) comes while one of you has a palm-cutting in his hand, let him plant it.” This saying inspires her to persevere, hoping for a future where she can study safely and with dignity.
**Fatima Skaik**, an architecture student, echoes this sentiment of resilience. Having lost her home and university, she has been displaced multiple times, yet her dreams of becoming an architect remain intact. “Education itself is a form of defiance,” she asserts, emphasizing the importance of knowledge in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges of accessing the necessary tools for her studies, she finds strength in the support of her professors, who reach out during internet outages. “We Palestinians have an unbreakable will,” she declares, embodying the spirit of resistance that permeates the educational landscape in Gaza.
Finally, **Nadera Moshtaha**, a senior English-language student, shares her own harrowing experience. The war has stripped her of the vibrant campus life she once knew, leaving her in a state of constant anxiety and loss. “Our dreams and plans are gone. But I’m still trying,” she says, her determination shining through the despair. Power cuts and internet failures complicate her studies, yet she remains committed to writing and learning, believing that her words may one day help rebuild her city.
These stories from Gaza illustrate a profound truth: education is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is a powerful act of resistance against oppression and despair. In the face of unimaginable adversity, these students and educators continue to strive for a better future, embodying the hope that persists even amid the ruins. Their resilience serves as an inspiration, reminding us all of the transformative power of education and the indomitable human spirit. As Fatima aptly puts it, “We just want to learn in peace.” In their pursuit of knowledge, they challenge the narrative of hopelessness, proving that even in the darkest
