Maram Salãh: from Gaza to Ireland

Maram Salãh, a resilient Palestinian student from Gaza City, embarked on a remarkable journey to Ireland in September, courtesy of a prestigious scholarship program from the Irish Government. Out of numerous applicants, Maram was among the ten exceptional individuals selected for this scholarship. She arrived in Ireland days before the war broke out.

Currently she is in the second semester in the master’s program for Digital Marketing & Analysis at SETU Carlow. However, the challenges faced by Maram's family back in Gaza are constantly on her mind. The current death toll is 31,000 lives, 1.9 million people are displaced and homeless, 55% facing acute hunger and there are absolutely no functioning hospitals in Palestine.

Tragically, her brother, Ammar, experienced the devastating impact of conflict when the IDF bombed his university. This grim event abruptly halted his educational journey, leaving him at a crossroads with no chance to continue his studies.

In a glimmer of hope, SETU Carlow extended a lifeline with a compassionate offer for Ammar to begin an undergraduate programme with them. Normally the college for non-EU would cost in the region of €40,000, but SETU Carlow have kindly waived the fees.  

Additionally, the visa costs at the border crossing with Egypt add an extra layer of complexity. Back in September when the war started, Egypt was charging $7,000 or €6,389.95 for the Visa crossing. Now they have increased it to €10,000. It is also a journey that should take a couple of hours to get from Gaza to Egypt but with all the complexities of war it takes days to make the crossing.

Nevertheless, Maram is determined to bring her brother to Ireland. In time he can then bring his parents over, something Maram cannot do because she is a woman.

As Maram endeavours to excel in her studies and secure a promising future in Ireland, her family grapples with the harsh realities of life in Gaza.

Maram’s story of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of education against the backdrop of the harrowing crisis in Palestine. Here is a glimpse into Maram’s world...

Maram, how has your experience in Ireland been shaped by the challenges your family is facing in Gaza, especially considering your original plans for pursuing a master's degree?

Ireland was supposed to be a place of academic growth and the pursuit of my master's degree. However, the unexpected events in Gaza have cast a shadow over my experience. The initial excitement of studying in Ireland has been replaced with the constant worry and stress of the situation back home. It's a constant struggle to balance personal aspirations with the harsh reality my family is enduring.

How do you manage to stay focused on your studies with such distressing events unfolding back home?

Initially, it was incredibly difficult. I am physically in Ireland but mentally I am back home with my family. I've always been closely connected to my family, and the distance makes it incredibly challenging. The worry for my family's safety is overwhelming.

However, I realized that focusing on my studies and dedicating my energy to academic pursuits was a way to cope. there's a sense of responsibility, a need to be a source of strength for them, even if it's from a distance.

The library became a refuge, and the supportive environment at school played a crucial role in helping me channel my emotions into my studies.

You mentioned your efforts to bring your brother to Ireland. What are the complexities involved in his journey?

My brother's journey is fraught with challenges. The destruction of universities in Gaza has not only disrupted his education but also left him with an uncertain future. The bombing of his university was more than an attack on a building; it was an assault on the dreams and aspirations of many young minds. 

Bringing him to Ireland involves overcoming financial barriers, and dealing with the logistical difficulties of travel during a conflict.

We set up this GoFundMe to Fund Ammar with the relocation from Gaza to Ireland, school Tuition for the first year, housing per arrival, travel expenses, health insurance, and necessities since he will ONLY have the clothes he is wearing as we aren’t allowed any luggage, besides the Egyptian permit to cross the border which costs 10,000 euro as for now. He is due to arrive in Ireland in April.

This journey from Gaza to Ireland is not just a geographic shift; it represents a transition from despair to hope, from uncertainty to opportunity.

This is where Maram's family of 11 people are now living

Could you provide more details about the living conditions your family is currently facing in Gaza?

We are originally from the north where the worst of the war is. My family has moved to the South, but it’s just as dangerous there. I have only been able to contact them ten times since October and each time I can hear bombing in the background.

Currently, they are residing in a small warehouse, a makeshift shelter with only three walls, no door and minimal protection from the elements. It’s completely inhuman, but at least they are alive and have a roof over their head.

The overcrowded space, coupled with the scarcity of resources, paints a grim picture. The recent weather conditions have further exacerbated their challenges, making it a constant struggle.

There are 11 of them living in this small space – all my immediate family and our in-laws. They have three mattresses which they take turns sleeping on.

My sister-in-law gave birth to her first child there during the war. She refused to go to the hospital when she was due for her baby, that same day the hospital was bombed. That’s God's plan. Our family found a bench that has been used as a crib but the worry is how they are going to provide for that baby.

They have no protection from the elements

With the fundraising efforts underway, how have people responded, and what impact has it had on your goal?

The response has been heartening. People have shown tremendous support, both emotionally and financially. The goal of 20,000 euros seemed insurmountable, but with sponsorship and the generosity of those who have contributed, the burden has significantly lessened. We've raised around 8,000 euros, and while there's still a way to go, the progress is encouraging.

Looking ahead, do you envision staying in Ireland after completing your studies, and what challenges might you face in the aftermath of the conflict?

The situation back home makes an immediate return challenging. While the plan was always to return after completing my studies, the current circumstances have meant a revaluation.

Staying in Ireland provides stability and safety, allowing me to find a job and support my family from afar. It's a difficult decision, but one that seems increasingly inevitable.

How can people, both in Ireland and globally, contribute to the ongoing crisis in Gaza?

There are several ways to contribute. Supporting organizations involved in foreign policy and those working on the ground, such as NGOs and medical institutions, is crucial.

Financial contributions can make a significant impact, but equally important is raising awareness. Understanding the deep-rooted issues in the region is the first step toward finding sustainable solutions.

Is there anything else you would like to convey to our readers about the ongoing situation and the resilience of the people in Gaza?

It's essential to recognize that the conflict in Gaza is not a recent development but a culmination of years of struggle and oppression. Every individual can play a part in making a difference, no matter how small. Spreading awareness, showing empathy, and acknowledging the resilience of the people in Gaza are critical in fostering understanding and support during these challenging times.

Here is the GOFUNDME campaign link where Maram's brother's story is listed: https://gofund.me/360cd2ba