Happy, stressed, overwhelmed: Palestinians evacuated from Gaza start their studies in UK | Higher education

TEmerging from a backstreet accommodation block in a lively corner of East London, the young man looks much like any other student and is settling into his classes at the start of the new term. But 27-year-old Abdullah carries more burden than most. A qualified doctor, he was recently evacuated from Gaza to begin his studies at Queen Mary University of London on a fully-funded, government-backed Chevening scholarship.

As well as his work in hospitals, he has also been campaigning on behalf of dozens of Palestinian academics who, like him, have been stranded in war-torn Gaza for months and are waiting to be evacuated by the British government to take up places at UK universities.

He wrote letters to former foreign secretary David Lammy and worked with academics and lawyers abroad to help bring about the release. Now he’s here and admits he feels overwhelmed.

“It’s a weird mix of emotions,” he said. “Being happy, stressed, sometimes overwhelmed. Living in Gaza for 27 years and then coming here to London is completely shocking. The most basic things here in Gaza are luxury.”

It was his first time outside Gaza and even shopping was challenging at first; Such abundance in the local market after war and famine was overwhelming. Leaving his family in Gaza was difficult. “I feel like my head is being hit by very heavy clouds. It’s hard to think about it right now.”

After months of uncertainty, rumors and counter-rumors, Abdullah and 33 other Palestinian academics, who formed the first group from Gaza to the UK, finally touched down on 22 September, after a brief stopover in Jordan to complete visa requirements. A second group has since arrived and more are expected.

He was hoping to take a break before starting his studies. “I wanted to prepare for university, take some time to breathe and explore the city.” There were plans to take up a post in London to help all Gaza students settle, but because the evacuation was delayed they were taken directly to their university.

“At the end of the day, most of the students call me and say, ‘Okay, we’re in our accommodation, what’s next?'” Abdullah said. “he said. “It was like there was no food in their refrigerator. They wanted to go shopping but didn’t know how to do it.”

Universities worked hard to offer support at short notice, according to Nora Parr, a researcher at the University of Birmingham who is coordinating relief efforts for Palestinian students. “We know the desire to help is there, but as we have so little time and, in some places, less experience with vulnerable academics, support is at times inadequate,” Parr said.

An additional problem was that due to late arrival, some courses had already started and students like Abdullah had difficulty catching up. “I spent my first days in London only in the library. I went to classes from the beginning of the day and spent until 23:00 in the library just trying to catch up and finish my homework,” he said.

She initially applied to study a master’s degree in data science and artificial intelligence to help with her passion for developing digital tools to combat the mental health disaster in Gaza, but because she missed a compulsory module, she switched to a different course and is trying to reverse that decision.

“We should thank the government for finally doing this, because it comes as a step in the rebuilding of Palestine, because now we need to invest in the people in Gaza. I wish students would get a better education than they get in the UK,” he said.

“I think they are good. They are starting to get used to the area they live in. They started the courses using transportation, buses and similar means. I think things could be easier if more support and more information were provided.”

Soha, a 31-year-old midwife from Gaza, campaigned with Abdullah for the students’ evacuation. She is currently studying for a doctorate in nursing at Ulster University in Belfast. He too has had a mix of “positive and challenging” experiences since arriving in the UK.

“Life here is very different from what I’m used to, but I’m slowly getting used to it,” he said. “On the positive side, people are generally kind and helpful. I enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the way things are organised. I love walking around the city and discovering new places, and I feel safe going out on my own.

“The hardest part was being away from my family, especially because of what happened in Gaza. Sometimes I have a hard time focusing when my mind is on them. I feel like my soul is still in Gaza.

“Leaving was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I knew it was something I had to do, not just for my own dream, but for every woman and healthcare worker who remains in Gaza and the hope of rebuilding and improving maternity services there. It was a choice made with purpose and love.”

“But Belfast is growing on me fast,” Soha added. He got used to his accent and began to get used to the different rhythm of life. “My interactions with the local community were truly encouraging and I felt genuine kindness and welcome.

“My life in Gaza before the war was truly a blessing. I had a fulfilling career that I was proud of and was surrounded by friends and family that I loved more than anything. But the war took my best friend of 15 years, Reem, one of the most ambitious and kind-hearted people anyone could ever meet. I know that if she were still here she would be walking around proudly boasting that her best friend had gone to the UK to start her studies.”

“Life in Gaza during the war was often like being stuck in a loop, reliving the same day over and over again for two years. The constant fear was not just for my own life, but for the lives of those I cared about, and this fear continues to weigh heavily on all Gazans, draining us emotionally and mentally.

“While I am grateful and deeply grateful for this opportunity, there are still many students and visiting researchers in Gaza who have the potential to contribute greatly to the future of Gaza and the world,” Soha said. “Please don’t leave them behind.”