At Birzeit University, the fight for education under occupation
Palestinian university students in the occupied West Bank live under the constant threat of arrest by the Israeli military, often facing obstacles to their education that their peers in other parts of the world never have to consider. At Birzeit University, located just north of Ramallah, these students are determined to continue their studies despite the challenges they face.
The campus of Birzeit University is a microcosm of the larger Palestinian struggle for freedom and self-determination. The university itself has a long history of resistance to the Israeli occupation, with its students and faculty actively participating in protests, strikes, and other forms of activism to assert their rights.
However, this activism comes with a price. Many students at Birzeit have been arrested, detained, or even killed by the Israeli military while participating in protests or engaging in acts of resistance. The fear of arrest hangs over the heads of students like a dark cloud, threatening to derail their dreams of obtaining a higher education and building a better future for themselves and their communities.
Despite these challenges, the students at Birzeit University remain resilient and committed to their education. They continue to attend classes, study, and engage in activities that promote learning and critical thinking, all while navigating the realities of living under occupation.
The fight for education at Birzeit University is not just about obtaining a degree or acquiring knowledge – it is about asserting Palestinian identity and resistance in the face of oppression. These students are determined to defy the odds and show the world that they will not be silenced or marginalized, no matter the obstacles they face.
As the struggle for a free and independent Palestine continues, the students of Birzeit University serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of the Palestinian people in the face of adversity. They are not just students – they are activists, fighters, and future leaders who refuse to let occupation stand in the way of their education and their dreams.
Watch the video by Al Jazeera English
Video “At Birzeit University, the fight for education under occupation | The Take” was uploaded on 08/28/2024 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English