QU students plant a Palestine-shaped map in the spirit of solidarity and human awareness

Qatar University (QU) students, in a powerful display of solidarity and cultural awareness, organised an artistic and environmental solidarity event demonstrating the close ties between the QU community and the history and culture of Palestine.The Elia Club and the Environment and Sustainability Club, in conjunction with the Student Activities Administration, launched this initiative against the backdrop of exceptional circumstances in Gaza and the Palestinian territories facing aggression and human, environmental, and infrastructural devastation.In a press statement, QU noted that the event aims to bolster solidarity with the Palestinian cause, enhance social awareness among students, integrate them into campus activities, and encourage active participation in important social and political issues.During her participation in planting trees in the designated area within QU’s campus, Dr Eiman Mustafawi, vice-president for Student Affairs, expressed pride in the university's students for their proactive engagement and positive solidarity with the Palestinian cause. The students contributed significantly by forming a map on the ground, symbolising the deep-rooted history and resilient people across every city and neighborhood in Palestine.Dr Mohamed Diab, associate vice-president for Student Life and Services, highlighted the significance of this gesture, acknowledging the unique step taken by the students of QU to convey a message of unconventional solidarity filled with resilience and roots.Dr Diab emphasised the importance of student life in providing opportunities for such activities to create an educational and developmental environment, shaping students’ personalities and their ability to integrate into society and engage with significant issues.Engineer Mai Hamad Fetais, director of Facilities and General Services Department, affirmed the administration’s constant endeavour to support QU students and affiliates in achieving their goals through exceptional activities.The administration contributed by allocating a green area within the university campus to serve as a symbolic address of solidarity with Palestine, providing various plants typical of different Palestinian cities.A specialised team of farmers supported the students in successfully executing this experience.Jaziya al-Asmar, Elia club vice-president, reiterated the students' belief in the pivotal role they play in raising awareness about social issues, stating, "We believe in the vital role of students in raising awareness about social issues, especially those affecting the hearts of our people in Gaza and Palestine overall.”Al-Asmar added that Palestinian people are deeply rooted in their land, and "we all stand in solidarity with every grain of soil and every drop of pure blood that narrates the story of this resilient people and this sacred land. Our students enthusiastically participated in planting various Palestinian plants on our beloved university campus, serving as a sustainable reminder of Palestine and its perpetuity as a symbol of pride, dignity, and resilience.”