Gaza Students Overcome Israel’s Genocide to Celebrate Tawjihi Results

In a year marked by Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, thousands of students achieved remarkable results in the high-stakes Tawjihi exams. This testament to their resilience and determination comes despite the destruction of homes, schools, and roads.

The Musa siblings’ story exemplifies this unbreakable spirit. Their mother, Hind Muhanna, credits their success to years of care and support from their family. Private lessons were arranged at home due to her children’s physical disabilities, with teachers visiting regularly. This dedication paid off: Sama scored 97.5 percent, Abdullah 94.6 percent, and Nada 94.4 percent.

The achievement is not isolated; it reflects the broader commitment to education in Gaza. Despite war’s devastating impact on schools – over 97 percent damaged or destroyed, according to the United Nations – teachers like Hanaa al-Sayed continued their duties. Al-Sayed offered more than just academic instruction but also psychological support: “The students did not only need someone to explain the curriculum; they needed someone to listen to them and stand beside them.”

This selfless approach is a hallmark of Gaza’s educational system, which has become an island of hope in the midst of unimaginable hardship. The fact that some students who paused their education during the war have since returned underscores this determination.

Family support played a crucial role in the Tawjihi results. Hind Muhanna’s words are instructive: “We always made them feel that they were better than everyone else.” This unwavering confidence instilled in her children was key to their success, serving as a reminder of education’s transformative power.

This year’s results come against the backdrop of Israel’s genocide, which has seen thousands killed, homes destroyed, and educational resources denied entry into Gaza. Yet, despite these challenges, Palestinian students have shown an unwavering commitment to their future through education. Their triumph is not only a personal victory but also a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The international community must acknowledge the broader implications of this remarkable achievement. The collapse of Gaza’s educational system underscores the urgent need for humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts, including rebuilding schools and addressing the deep psychological trauma inflicted upon Gazan students.

The story of the Musa siblings and their peers serves as a beacon of hope amidst despair. Their unwavering commitment to education in the face of unimaginable hardship reminds us all of the power of resilience and determination.