A whirlwind of emotions one year after I left Gaza

Currently mr. Almasri is PhD candidate at NTNU and researcher at UiO.

Fakta

Mohammed Almasri is a SAR scholar at NTNU

Mohammed Almasri is a lecturer at the University College of Applied Sciences (Gaza). With a NORAD scholarship and support from Scholars at Risk (SAR) at UiO and NTNU, he participates in a joint research project that shall contribute to the strengthening of digital learning in Palestinian higher education. Mohammed Almasri is admitted to the doctoral programme at NTNU Department of Computer Science (Gjøvik).

The Norwegian broadcasting company, NRK, told the story of Mohammed Almasri in April 2024. At the time it was still unclear if it would be possible to take up the planned PhD education at NTNU and UiO. While waiting to join the joint research project in Norway, two colleagues who should have taken part in the research activity, were killed. In a window of opportunity in May 2024, Mohammed Almasri was able to get out of Gaza together with his wife and small children. UiO kjempar for å få forskarane sine ut av Gaza – to er allereie drepne – NRK Urix – Utenriksnyheter og -dokumentarer

The past year has been one of profound transitions for me, leaving my home, to pursue a PhD in Norway and start a new chapter with my wife and two little children. We are safe, and for that, I am endlessly grateful. But my mind and soul remain with my family, friends, and colleagues who are still in Gaza, enduring what can only be described as a genocide.

Before coming to Norway, I was a lecturer at the University College of Applied Sciences (UCAS) in Gaza for 17 years in the field of computer science and technology, a place where I dedicated myself to empowering students and building futures through education. Tragically, the UCAS campus, a beacon of hope and learning for thousands, has been destroyed. This loss is not just physical, it is a devastating blow to the dreams and aspirations of so many young people who saw education as their path to a better future.

To me, Gaza is not just a place, it is my identity, my history, my people. And yet, even as I sit here in safety, every moment feels incomplete, knowing the unspeakable suffering that continues there. The genocide happening in Gaza is not just a distant tragedy—it is deeply personal. Behind every statistic are faces I recognize, voices I’ve laughed with, and lives intertwined with my own.

 As I look forward, I feel the weight of responsibility to do more—to raise awareness, to advocate, and to be a voice for those who cannot speak freely. I believe in the power of this academic community, not just to generate knowledge but to inspire change, compassion, and justice.

To my friends, and colleagues here in Norway, thank you for the warmth and support you’ve shown me and my family during this journey. Your kindness reminds me that even in the darkest times, humanity shines through. I urge you to keep Gaza in your thoughts and hearts. Stand with its people, amplify their voices, and advocate for their right to live in peace and dignity.

Support fellow technology students in Gaza

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, the University College of Applied Sciences (UCAS) remains committed to ensuring the continuity of education through online platforms, primarily Moodle and Google Classroom. Recognizing the severe challenges faced by students and educators, UCAS has secured funding to establish the "Space of Hope" — safe and supportive educational spaces located in Gaza City (north) and Khan Younis (south). Each space is equipped with internet access and electricity powered by solar energy systems, providing a lifeline for learning during frequent power outages and infrastructure damage. Access to these facilities is organized through a timely reservation system, allowing a limited number of students and educators to benefit at a time. UCAS is actively working toward expanding this initiative, aiming to establish additional spaces across the Gaza Strip and to increase the number of students who can be accommodated simultaneously. Through these efforts, UCAS aspires to sustain hope and opportunity for Gaza’s academic community during one of its most difficult times.

One way you may make a difference, is by supporting fellow students in technology in Gaza who are struggling to continue their education. My institution, the University College of Applied Sciences (UCAS), has over 9,400 students facing immense financial hardships due to the ongoing crisis. 23% of them are left without a breadwinner because of the war. Most students have also lost their homes. To help them stay in school and take part in our now online education, we have launched a fundraising campaign on a crowdfunding platform: https://tasharuky.com/en/p/183

Beyond donations, one of the most impactful ways you can help is by spreading the word. By sharing this campaign with your network—colleagues, friends, or social media connections—you can help us reach more people who may be willing to support in different ways.

Education is a powerful tool for rebuilding and resilience. Your help in amplifying this message can make a real difference.

May 2025 bring healing, hope, and justice to Gaza and all those in need. Together, we can make a difference.

Here are some pictures and a video of UCAS campus before and after the war: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1qUCNIqtxF0riml4XWqgY7HgdVO9QV37H?usp=sharing