Support a Palestinian Academic pursue her PhD in Spain

Hello everyone,

I am Islam Almabhouh, a Palestinian woman who recently graduated from the Islamic University of Gaza (IUG), which was reduced to ashes by Israeli warplanes in an instant during its ongoing genocide against the Gaza Strip. I hold a bachelor's degree in English language teaching and a master's in linguistics and translation.

Before the war erupted, I worked part-time as a lecturer in the IUG English Department. I had brilliant students and engaging classes in reading and translation for both freshers and seniors. In Gaza, I had a beautiful life, dreams to pursue, and a stable income to cover my living expenses and fund any educational projects I wished to undertake. I was also preparing to travel abroad to pursue a PhD in translation.

Unexpectedly, I lost my job and was unable to carry out my plans. I became stuck in the Gaza Strip after the Israeli occupation army took over and closed the Rafah Border Crossing.

Displacement has become part of our daily suffering, as with many Gazans. I live in Al-Bureij Camp in the Middle Zone of the Gaza Strip. At midnight on October 13th 2023, Israeli occupation warplanes dropped explosives on our neighbourhood, resulting in the martyrdom of over 40 innocent people. We realised it was time to evacuate and quickly left our home under heavy airstrikes and random tank shelling. We sought shelter to protect ourselves from the barbaric acts of the Israeli forces. Fortunately, we found refuge in Deir Al-Balah.

On November 2nd 2023, we received an unexpected call. It was the most heart-wrenching moment I have ever experienced. Israeli warplanes targeted my sister’s home in Al-Bureij Camp, killing my niece, nephew, and brother-in-law, and leaving my sister seriously injured. The violence and devastation escalated, leaving many buildings destroyed or damaged. The losses continued, culminating in the assassination of my talented MA supervisor, Dr Refaat Al-Areer.

Recently, I have been admitted to a three-year Doctoral programme in Translation and Intercultural Studies at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in Spain (UAB) with a partial scholarship. A full scholarship is granted for the first academic year of 2024-2025. Besides partial financial assistance of fee tuition for the second and third years of study, as seen in the following email.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing war and the loss of my job, I am unable to cover the necessary monthly expenses without your generous donations. These contributions will help me pursue my PhD in Translation and make my dream come true. As an international student planning to live in Barcelona, I need assistance with approximately €1100 per month, as mentioned in the following picture.

So, approximately, it would require €13,200 per annum which is approximately £21925 GBP.

Thank you for considering your contribution to my academic journey. Your support is crucial, especially during these challenging times.

With sincere gratitude,

Islam

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