In recent years, UNRWA, the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugeeshas been the subject of strong criticism regarding its role and impact. Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have questioned the agency, accusing it of perpetuating the refugee crisis. In 2018, Netanyahu said: “UNRWA should be closed. »
As someone who grew up in Gaza, Palestine, and benefited from UNRWA education, before contributing to NASA’s Mars 2020 missions, I feel compelled to challenge these narratives and share my story. My journey from UNRWA to working on the helicopter Ingenuity from Marsdemonstrates the potential that exists among Gaza’s youth and the crucial role the agency plays.
My ties to UNRWA schools begin with my father, Dr. Mohammed Elbasyouni. Born in the camp refugees from Jabalia, in Gaza in 1948, he was one of the first students to attend UNRWA schools in the 1950s. His journey from those classrooms to becoming director of the surgery department at Al-Hospital Shifa, has been a constant source of inspiration for me.
Although I was born in Germany while my father was studying medicine, our family moved to Germany. Beit Hanoun. This is where I began my studies in the UNRWA Schools during the First Intifada, something that profoundly affected our daily lives. I remember the school year was reduced to just eighty days. Despite these challenges, the dedicated teachers ensured that we continued to learn. During this time, my father worked tirelessly at the hospital, often dealing with medical emergencies related to the ongoing occupation.
My first grade experience was very different from kindergarten in Germany. Due to overcrowding, UNRWA had to create two new classrooms. We spent this class in a cold hangar while the new classroom was being built. The chemistry labs were empty, with chemicals not allowed for political reasons, forcing us to study everything theoretically.
At the high school, playgrounds and gymnasiums were closed off with a three-meter-high fence, creating a “no-student zone” next to the main road, for security reasons. If one student threw a rock, the entire school could be suspended for months. During the Iraq War, our schools were forced to close completely by order of the Israeli army.
An incident that stuck with me occurred during my teenage years, when I accidentally created my own television channel broadcasting Atari games throughout the neighborhood. This experience with electronics led me to continue innovating pushed by curiosity about narrow subjects. I think repression often backfires; sanctions will only force others to innovate in unexpected ways.
From Gaza to space exploration
After completing my studies in UNRWA schools, I continued my higher education in the United States. The transition was difficult; However, The foundation I received at UNRWA prepared me well.
My professional achievements include being the leader in helicopter propulsion Ingenuity from NASA, achieve the first controlled flight on another planet and work on rocket engines for Blue Origin and the Artemis 5 lunar module of the JAR (Blue Moon). Additionally, I contributed to renewable energy solutions such as wind turbines and Ford’s first electric vehicle.
The success stories of countless Palestinian students underscore the importance of supporting UNRWA’s educational initiatives.
Education: a pillar of democracy and progress
My journey, from From UNRWA classes to Mars explorationdemonstrates how important education is for the progress of society. An educated population is necessary for informed citizenship and economic growth. In Palestine, education is highly valued; In 2022, higher education enrollment rates reached 45%.
Although my trip was successful, the ongoing occupation continues to affect my family and community. Recently, my father became a patient at Al-Shifa Hospital during the recent genocide. The hospital, overwhelmed by uncontrollable circumstances, was unable to provide him with the necessary care.
This experience highlights how essential it is to support health infrastructure in occupied areas, a mission that begins by providing quality education to future professionals.
By supporting UNRWA, we are investing not only in individual futures, but also in possible innovation and peace in our region.
As we look towards brighter horizons, recognizing how the Access to quality education promotes talentwe must ensure that each story like mine serves to glimpse what exists in each classroom. Gaza, the West Bank and the refugee camps in our region.
Education has opened doors I never imagined possible; I hope that with continued support for educational opportunities, many more opportunities will open up for Palestinian youth, leading her towards a bright future.
