“If I must die, you must live…”
— the powerful opening from a poem by the renowned Palestinian poet, writer and activist, Dr. Refaat Alareer, in his final work before Israeli forces tragically took his life in Gaza in December 2023. (Listen to his entire poem here recited by Brian Cox).
As a highly-respected university professor, the loss of Dr. Refaat Alareer reflects the devastating destruction of Gaza’s academic landscape, with all 12 universities destroyed and the heartbreaking loss of at least 94 faculty members.
Amongst the rubble lie the hopes, aspirations and unrealized potential of Palestinians in Gaza. Rebuilding these academic institutions is projected to take over a decade, a delay that jeopardizes a generation of Gaza’s brightest students, who are crucial to Gaza’s intellectual and structural renewal and reconstruction.
Give hereGaza Scholarship Initiative for Displaced Students:
In response to the potential of a lost generation, a community of writers, academics and fundraisers connected via We Are Not Numbers (WANN) have come together to support students in Gaza. Having already facilitated the placement of 55 students in universities around the world, with more nearing finalization, they established the Gaza Scholarship Initiative Displaced Students in honor of Dr. Refaat Alareer, with a promise to Gaza’s students: we will do everything in our power to secure your right to pursue an education.
This initiative aims to provide financial support to Gazan students who want to attend college in the U.S., covering expenses such as accommodation, meals, textbooks, registration fees, partial tuition, visa applications, evacuation expenses, air travel and other logistical needs. Please note that this project does not provide scholarships to students, but rather, assists students with obtaining scholarships and aid, along with covering expenses noted above.
Your support for the Gaza Scholarship Initiative Displaced Students provides tangible opportunities for Gaza’s youth that would otherwise be out of reach. Ultimately, it will contribute to building a future for Gaza—one that is liberated and prosperous.
Give here Hear from students we’ve been able to support
**Displaced students who are seeking support and resources, please fill out this form. The individuals in charge of this initiative will be in touch, though due to the high volume of requests, it may take long to hear back. Please also note that they cannot guarantee assistance.