In recent years, UNRWA, the United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugeeshas faced harsh criticism over 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 Marsis a testament to the potential that exists among Gaza’s youth and the crucial role the agency plays.
My connection with UNRWA schools begins 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 the director of the Department of Surgery at Al-Shifa Hospital, has been a source constant inspiration for me.
Although I was born in Germany while my father was studying medicine, our family moved to Beit Hanoun. There I began my education in the UNRWA schools during the First Intifada, something that deeply affected our daily lives. I remember the school year was reduced to just eighty days. Despite these challenges, the dedicated teachers made sure we continued learning. Meanwhile, my father worked tirelessly at the hospital, often dealing with medical emergencies arising from 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 that course in a cold shed while the new classroom was being built. The chemistry laboratories were empty, as chemicals were not allowed for political reasons, forcing us to study everything theoretically.
At the high school, the playgrounds and gymnasiums were closed by a three-meter-high fence, creating a “no-student zone” next to the main road, for safety. 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 on orders from the Israeli army.
An incident that marked me occurred during my adolescence, when I accidentally created my own television channel broadcasting Atari games to the entire neighborhood. This experiment with electronics led me to continue innovating driven by curiosity about restricted topics. I think repression often backfires; sanctions will only force others to innovate in unexpected ways.
From Gaza to space exploration
After completing my education at UNRWA schools, I pursued my higher education in the United States. The transition was challenging; however, The foundation I received at UNRWA prepared me well.
My professional achievements include being the propulsion leader on the helicopter Ingenuity from NASA, achieving the first controlled flight on another planet, and working on rocket engines for Blue Origin and the Artemis 5 lunar module of the POT (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 highlight the importance of supporting UNRWA’s educational initiatives.
Education: a pillar of democracy and progress
My journey, from UNRWA classrooms to the exploration of Marsdemonstrates how important education is for the progress of society. An educated population is necessary for an informed citizenry and economic growth. In Palestine, education is highly valued; In 2022, higher education enrollment rates reached 45%.
Although my trip has been successful, the ongoing occupation continues to affect my family and community. Recently, my father became a patient at the Al-Shifa Hospital during the recent genocide. The hospital, overwhelmed by circumstances beyond control, could not provide him with the necessary care.
This experience highlights how critical it is to support healthcare infrastructure in occupied areas, a mission that begins by providing quality education to future professionals.
By supporting UNRWA, we invest not only in individual futures, but also in the possible innovation and peace in our region.
As we look toward brighter horizons, recognizing how the Access to quality education fosters 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 opened doors I never imagined possible; I hope that through continued support for educational opportunities, many more will open up for Palestinian youth, leading her towards bright futures.
#UNRWA #classrooms #Mars
