University professor Ahmed Abu Shaban, who fled Gaza after it was destroyed by Israeli air strikes, now teaches his students remotely from Toronto. Despite feeling guilty for leaving and being motivated by loyalty to his students, Shaban is determined to help preserve higher education in Gaza. As the dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine at Al-Azhar University, Shaban is committed to ensuring that education continues in some form, despite the challenges faced by students living in tents without internet access.
Shaban’s dedication to his students is evident in his willingness to work in two time zones, waking up at 3:00 am to join workshops in Gaza and continuing his duties as a visiting professor at York University in Toronto. He records lectures and prepares online courses to accommodate his students’ needs, many of whom risk their lives to access the internet for studies.
Despite the destruction of university buildings and labs, Shaban remains focused on providing support to his students, reminding himself of their perseverance and determination to continue their education. The loss of students to Israeli airstrikes weighs heavily on Shaban, particularly the death of one of his star students who was killed early in the war.
Through his tireless efforts, Shaban hopes to send a message to the world that education in Gaza will not be erased by conflict. His commitment to his students and their future exemplifies the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people in the face of unimaginable challenges.
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