Gaza turmoil shadows Palestinian student's PhD joy at Unisza
NURFARDLINA IZZATI MOKTAR
KUALA NERUS - A Health Sciences Faculty graduate from Palestine, Hanan Kamel Mohammed Saad, 51, walked the stage to receive her doctoral degree (PhD) scroll at Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (Unisza) convocation ceremony today with a mix of sorrow and loneliness in her heart.
Hanan, who had no family member to witness the ceremony, believed that she needed to gather her strength amidst the worrisome thought of the safety of her siblings and relatives who are still in Gaza, Palestine.
"The last time I got in touch with my family was yesterday. We texted on Facebook and Instagram.
"Since the internet there is quite weak and often disconnected, it is difficult to reach my family often, but they did congratulate me.
"I am grateful and miss them very much.
"My thoughts are always with them and I pray for their well-being that they are protected by Allah and remain safe in Gaza," she said.
Hanan's voice was dull as she spoke to reporters after the 15th Unisza Convocation Ceremony (First Session) today.
She pointed out that the situation in Gaza had only worsened as there was no safe place to live since the Israeli Zionist regime was endlessly launching attacks on the people of Palestine.
"Israel's act of bombing Gaza had caused countless deaths and injuries.
"In fact, most of them there had lost their homes.
"For now, my family is staying at a safe spot. I don't know when this atrocities will come to an end," she said.
Hanan expressed her hope that Palestine will one day achieve freedom that it has been fighting for all this time and no longer be oppressed by the Zionist regime of Israel.
She also wishes to look for a better job in Malaysia as well as coming home to meet her family and close friends in Gaza.
"That is my hope to be able to see them again. I pray that they will always be strong and brave to face this test," she said while holding back tears.
