In the wake of ongoing conflict, an inspiring initiative in El-Arish offers hope to displaced Palestinian children seeking education. Hadeel Zourob, a teacher herself affected by the upheaval, has created a unique space that serves as both a school and a refuge for these young minds.
A Safe Haven for Displaced Students
Hadeel Zourob, a Palestinian educator, watches as dozens of children, uprooted by the Israel-Hamas conflict, enter the only Palestinian school in North Sinai. The situation in El-Arish, which lies a mere 44 kilometers from the Gaza border, has become a temporary home for many families fleeing the violence. “They fled to Egypt and found themselves here without schools or education,” Zourob explained. This realization motivated her to establish an educational center aimed at addressing the urgent needs of these children.
Six months after the beginning of the war in October 2023, Zourob and her family escaped Gaza and settled in El-Arish, receiving assistance from relatives. This coastal city has become a hub for humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, providing a vital lifeline for many displaced individuals. The Zourobs, like numerous other families in the region, maintain connections across the border, which underscores the challenges faced by those caught in the conflict.
The educational initiative began modestly, with Zourob and fellow displaced teachers teaching a small group of students in a rented space. However, the program has expanded significantly. Today, the school accommodates nearly 400 students aged six to 18, showing a remarkable increase from just 150 in its inaugural year. Financial support from the Misr El Kheir Foundation has played a pivotal role, covering essential costs like rent and educational materials.
The Importance of Education Beyond the Classroom
Within the classrooms, the atmosphere buzzes with energy as children, some adorned in traditional Palestinian dress, recite morning assembly rituals while waving their national flags. Teachers distribute textbooks and learning materials that reflect the Palestinian curriculum. With laughter echoing through the halls, the school has become a space where joy momentarily overshadows the memories of trauma and loss.
Yet, the challenges remain immense. Many students come to El-Arish seeking medical treatment for war-inflicted injuries, while others have been separated from their homes and families. Most of the families rely on temporary accommodations provided by Egyptian authorities, often facing hurdles in accessing healthcare, education, and basic needs. According to UNICEF, more than 14,000 Palestinian children have been displaced since the onset of conflict, underscoring the urgency for educational programs.
Creating a Sense of Belonging Amidst Uncertainty
Despite these hardships, Zourob’s school aims to cultivate a nurturing environment that supports both educational and emotional healing. The school’s mission is not just academic; it seeks to counteract the psychological toll of war, fostering a sense of community among students. “We are working together as a team to make up for what the students missed and immerse them in the school environment,” teacher Hamied Abu Daher remarked.
Ongoing education is vital to prevent what many experts term a “lost generation.” After nearly three years of conflict in Gaza, the local education system has been dramatically affected, with UN estimates suggesting that 98 percent of schools have been damaged or destroyed. This disruption has deprived many of the roughly 658,000 school-age children in Gaza of access to regular classroom learning.
While many families in El-Arish continue to struggle with limited resources and bureaucratic barriers, Zourob’s educational center stands as a beacon of hope. By providing a supportive and structured environment, the school not only aims to teach but also to instill resilience and prepare students for a future where they can reclaim their lives and memories in a post-conflict Gaza.