Al-Israa University in Palestine Launches an International Conference from the Heart of Destruction to Rebuild Education in Gaza
Gaza – Media Committee
On Friday, the activities of the International Scientific Conference organized by Al-Israa University, in partnership with Birzeit University, Jeel Scientific Research Center, and the London Center for Social Research and Consultations, were launched under the title:
“From the Heart of Destruction: Recovery and Reconstruction – Higher Education as a Technological Bridge for Innovation and Building Sustainable Societies.”
The conference witnessed broad participation from academics and researchers from within Palestine and abroad, alongside academic institutions and specialized research centers.
The conference is being held amid the exceptional circumstances facing the Gaza Strip, representing a serious attempt to assess the state of higher education after the devastation, explore mechanisms for rebuilding the educational system, and enhance its role in achieving societal recovery and sustainable development.
During the opening session, the Minister of Higher Education, Dr. Amjad Barhoum, emphasized that holding the conference at this time sends a message of resilience and determination to continue the educational process despite challenges, stressing that education will remain at the forefront of reconstruction priorities.
He noted that the current phase requires envisioning the future of higher education and working to restore it to its normal path, despite the extensive damage suffered by academic institutions in the Gaza Strip, expressing hope that the conference will contribute to formulating a practical roadmap for advancing the education sector.
For his part, the President of Al-Israa University and Honorary President of the Conference, Prof. Dr. Alaa Matar, stressed that the university continues to fulfill its academic and national mission despite the damage it has sustained, affirming that the conference serves as a scientific platform to unify efforts and build effective partnerships that support the reconstruction of the education sector and promote innovation as a key driver of sustainable development.
He explained that the conference goes beyond being a traditional academic event, embodying the determination of Palestinian educational institutions to transform challenges into opportunities for progress, stressing that science and scientific research are the true compass for overcoming crises and shaping a better future.
He also highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and knowledge to support recovery efforts, noting that the university was able, despite the conditions of war, to resume the educational process through e-learning and provide broad facilities for students.
In the same context, the Chairman of the Conference Preparatory Committee, Prof. Dr. Abdul Fattah Qarman, stated that preparations had continued for several months with the participation of a distinguished group of academics, aiming to deliver a conference befitting the scale of current challenges. He added that the scientific program includes specialized sessions and workshops addressing reconstruction from various perspectives, with the participation of experts and decision-makers.
Meanwhile, the Conference Chair and Dean of Graduate Studies at Al-Israa University, Dr. Mounia Mazid, affirmed that the conference represents a strategic step toward unifying research and academic efforts and producing practical visions to support the path of recovery in the Gaza Strip.
She pointed out that the conference highlights the role of higher education and technology in rebuilding societies affected by war and aims to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation by developing smart solutions to address the effects of destruction and rebuild more resilient educational systems.
For his part, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Mohammad Abu Haniyeh, representing the President of Birzeit University in Palestine, expressed his pleasure at partnering with a distinguished institution like Al-Israa University in this conference.
He said: “We look forward to expanding avenues of cooperation with the university through joint research projects and creating a scientific environment that fosters creativity and innovation. Science is the bridge that unites efforts and builds a better future for our coming generations.”
He added that the conference seeks to bring together minds and thinkers to propose appropriate solutions for rising from destruction, reconstruction, recovery, restoring life to Palestinian society, re-establishing infrastructure, and moving forward stronger than before.
The opening session witnessed notable academic and elite attendance, with participants unanimously emphasizing the importance of continuing the educational process as a fundamental pillar in rebuilding Palestinian society.
The conference is scheduled to continue for two additional days, featuring around 54 research papers covering multiple themes, most notably: the role of technology in supporting education, the impact of wars on academic institutions, and mechanisms for achieving sustainability and strengthening international partnerships.