In Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, Palestine, lies one example of the very real human tragedy and hopes for the future being extinguished, a statement from the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation said.
Mohammed Ali and Suha Nasser were shining examples of hope in Gaza, despite the challenges of day-to-day life. Their journey began when they each enrolled in EAA's Al Fakhoora Scholarship Programme, sharing a dream of becoming physiotherapists.
Through the Al Fakhoora Scholarship Programme, more than 1,300 marginalised youth and refugees in Gaza, West Bank and East Jerusalem have been granted full scholarships to pursue higher education.
Mohammed and Suha first crossed paths as ambitious students pursuing their dream. Little did they know that their connection would blossom into a profound love story that defied the odds. Their shared journey was one of determination, hard work, and unwavering support for each other. As they diligently pursued their studies, the bond between them grew stronger. Their commitment to education and their dreams was an inspiration not only to their fellow students but to everyone who knew them.
After graduation, Mohammed and Suha embarked on a new chapter, giving their knowledge and skills back to their community. Their future was full of promise. They got married and were blessed with a beautiful son.
Tragedy struck on the 19th day of the devastating conflict in Gaza. The war, which has already claimed the lives of more than 8,500 people, a staggering 67% of which are women and children, according to UN OCHA as on October 31, 2023, ended two lives filled with promise, and narrowly avoided claiming a third.
On that fateful day, Mohammed's family had gathered at their house in the densely populated Jabalia Camp, seeking solace and safety in each other's presence. In an instant, their haven turned into a scene of unimaginable horror. The refugee camp was hit by a bomb, changing their lives forever.
Mohammed and their beloved son lost their lives. Suha survived but suffered severe injuries, including spinal and spleen damage. She is now fighting for her life at the Indonesian Hospital, bearing physical and emotional scars of that fateful day.
The echoes of their story serve as a somber reminder of the human cost of conflict, and the importance of safeguarding the dreams and aspirations of the young, like Mohammed and Suha.
Yet, at the time of writing, more than 220 educational facilities, including EAA's Al Fakhoora House, have been damaged by the hostilities in Gaza. The aftermath of this war will affect the education of a whole generation of youth, who are the only link to a stable, prosperous future for Palestine, the statement added.
Suha Nasser
Mohammed Ali
