An inspiring visit to Gaza College: The resilience of education under the fire of war

Today, I had the honor of visiting Gaza College School alongside my dear friend Abu Fayez Al-Khalidi. We met with the esteemed engineer Marwan Tarazi (Abu Wadie), the school's director, who embodies a living example of determination and dedication. Despite the raging war and harsh circumstances engulfing Gaza, he chose to remain in its north, steadfastly upholding the educational mission the school has carried since its founding in 1942.What I witnessed today was not merely a school fulfilling its educational duty, but a fortress of cultural and national resilience. Students continue to attend in-person classes despite looming dangers, a scene that reflects their profound connection to their land—where the right to education is boldly and persistently wrested from the jaws of death.Among the remarkable activities, a group of students performed a traditional Dabke dance, sending a clear message to the world: We are here to stay, rooted in our land, holding onto our heritage, and no war will extinguish the flame of our lives.In another corner of the school, students were learning and playing music—a moment pulsating with hope and beauty. The melodies resonated like an echo of the Palestinian spirit, expressing their culture and defiance of death through the voice of life.Gaza College School is not just an educational institution; it is a testament to defiance, unbreakable will, and a people who transform pain into creativity and loss into an enduring dream of life and freedom.

Director General of Examinations
Jamal Muhammad Yousef