PhD Scholar in Gaza Trades Academic Career for Bakery Amid Conflict

Palestinian Academic Returns to Gaza Amidst Rebuilding Efforts

Bader Slaih, a Palestinian scholar from Gaza, has resumed his academic pursuits despite the devastating impact of Israel’s recent conflict on the enclave. The war forced Slaih to abandon his studies and focus on survival, but he remains committed to teaching and enriching the minds of students in Gaza.

Slaih, who was displaced multiple times during the conflict, initially turned to baking bread to feed his family. However, he continues to dream of establishing a classroom for Palestinian students, who have suffered significant losses due to the war. “The war was extremely challenging for everyone,” Slaih stated. “We were subjected to hardship and humiliation.”

Prior to the conflict, Gaza’s education sector thrived, with literacy rates reported among the highest in the world. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, the illiteracy rate stood at 2.1 percent among Palestinians aged 15 and older in 2023.

Slaih holds master’s and doctorate degrees from Egypt and had returned to Gaza to serve his homeland. However, when he attempted to file his certificates with universities, the war broke out, forcing him to stay behind. His wife and son left Gaza for medical reasons, leaving Slaih to care for other family members.

A recent UNICEF report highlights the dire state of Gaza’s education system, stating that over 97 percent of schools are damaged or destroyed, while more than 91.8 percent require significant rehabilitation to become functional again. All 12 universities in Gaza have been severely damaged and are currently unusable.

Despite these challenges, Slaih remains determined to pursue his teaching career. With a ceasefire in place, he has set his sights on establishing a classroom for Palestinian students, even if it means building one “brick by brick.”

Source: Al Jazeera