In North Sinai, Egypt, Hadeel Zourob, a Palestinian educator, witnesses the resilience of displaced Gazan children as they line up at a school she established. This school, a beacon of hope amid turmoil, provides refuge and education for children uprooted by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Impact of Displacement on Gaza’s Youth
Among the hundreds of Palestinian youngsters facing displacement due to the escalating violence, many have settled in El-Arish, a city located 44 kilometers from the Gaza border. Zourob, who also fled Gaza shortly after the conflict reignited in October 2023, recognized the urgent need for educational resources. “They arrived in Egypt without access to schools or learning opportunities,” she explained. “That’s why I felt compelled to create an educational center for them.”
Following her evacuation, Zourob and her family sought refuge in El-Arish, where they found support from relatives and the local community. The Zourobs, like many families near the border, maintain connections across both sides of the divide, emphasizing the complexity of their circumstances. With a group of fellow displaced educators, Zourob began providing lessons in a rented facility, which evolved into a free school that now caters to nearly 400 students aged six to 18.
A Growing Educational Initiative
Initially serving around 150 students, the school’s enrollment has surged, thanks in part to assistance from the Misr El Kheir Foundation, one of Egypt’s largest charitable organizations. Presently, it is the sole Palestinian school in North Sinai, an area that has faced significant hardships due to ongoing security operations since the 2011 uprising in Egypt.
In the mornings, the atmosphere is vibrant as children, donning black-and-white keffiyeh scarves and traditional Palestinian attire, gather to celebrate their identity before beginning their studies. Teachers provide much-needed resources like textbooks and materials that are aligned with the Palestinian curriculum. The classrooms become lively spaces filled with creativity and laughter, allowing the students to momentarily escape their harrowing pasts.
Many of these students come to El-Arish not only seeking education but also recovery. Some have endured injuries from the conflict and are in need of medical treatment, while others fled with their families in search of safety. Supported in temporary accommodations, these children navigate an uncertain future, yet their families still hold onto hope. “We wish for them to realize their ambitions despite the tragic conditions surrounding us,” said a concerned mother, Ons Shehta.
The Perils of Educational Access
Despite the efforts made by schools like Zourob’s, numerous obstacles remain for displaced families. Many struggle to access online learning due to the high cost of technology and the internet, compounded by rising living expenses and legal uncertainties. Organizations such as Human Rights Watch highlight the systemic barriers preventing refugee and asylum-seeking families in Egypt from obtaining quality education.
Simultaneously, the education system in Gaza has been increasingly decimated by years of conflict, with a staggering 98% of schools reported as damaged or destroyed. As a result, around 658,000 children are deprived of consistent classroom learning, igniting fears of an entire generation lost to educational deprivation.
Zourob’s school aims not only to rectify this educational gap but also to provide a supportive environment where children can emotionally heal from their experiences of war. According to teacher Hamied Abu Daher, the mission is to reintegrate students into the school setting, ensuring that when they return to Gaza, they carry with them a sense of familiarity and belonging. “We are working collectively to fill the gaps that were created by their displacement,” he expressed. “When they eventually go back, they will not feel out of place in a school environment.”