The Hanoon Foundation has been offering financial assistance to medical students from Al-Azhar University and the Islamic University of Gaza who find themselves stranded abroad. This support contributes towards their living and educational expenses, helping them to overcome numerous challenges. Please take a moment to read their testimonials to gain insight into their poignant experiences.
If you would like to support these students and assist us with this initiative, please use the link below.
Testimonials
71- Testimonial from Shahd
“I am a passionate third-year medical student hailing from the vibrant yet turbulent region of Gaza, Palestine. In the wake of recent events, I have lost everything I once cherished: my beloved home, filled with warmth and laughter; the close-knit circle of friends who supported me through thick and thin; and the university I had long dreamed of attending, which symbolises hope for my future.
My father’s legacy was built upon two thriving medicine factories that served as our family’s lifeline. These factories were not just sources of income; they represented our hard work, dreams, and aspirations. Now, they lie in ruins, mere rubble where once stood a foundation of stability and promise. This loss has left us in a precarious financial situation, struggling to find a way forward.
Currently, I am seeking financial aid from the Al Hanoon Foundation to assist with my living expenses here in Cairo. As I adapt to this new environment and continue my online education alongside my peers at our home universities, I find myself in need of essential study supplies. Simple items like paper, pens, and printing services for lecture materials have become vital for my academic success and continued learning.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Al Hanoon Foundation. Your unwavering support provides not only financial relief but also a beacon of hope to students like me who are navigating the challenges brought on by adversity.
With sincere appreciation,”
Shahd
72- Testimonial from Salam
“I am a dedicated medical student at Al-Azhar University, currently residing in Egypt. The decision to leave Gaza—leaving behind family, friends, and a familiar life—was a heart-wrenching one. It required careful consideration and immense courage to embark on this solitary journey.
Being alone in a foreign country without a support network has been challenging. The responsibility of managing daily tasks, from securing housing to navigating a new healthcare system, rests solely on my shoulders. The constant financial strain and the need to budget meticulously and minimise expenses have added to the overall stress.
Applying for this financial aid would provide much-needed relief for both myself and my family in Gaza. It would alleviate a significant financial burden, allowing me to focus on my academic pursuits without the constant worry about meeting my basic needs. With this support, I could fully dedicate myself to my studies, explore opportunities for personal growth, and contribute positively to my community.”
salam
73- Testimonial from Lojain
“I am 20 years old. I am currently in my third year of medical school at Al-Azhar University in Egypt. My family and I, a total of 15 people, used to live in the Al-Rimal neighborhood in Gaza. However, our home was completely destroyed, along with most, if not all, of my father’s companies—some were entirely ruined, while others sustained significant damage. We were displaced multiple times before finally settling in Deir al-Balah, which was the safest area at the time. Eventually, we decided to travel to Egypt to escape the ongoing war and bombings, leaving behind all my beloved relatives, friends, and the life I once knew.
I applied for this financial aid to help ease my family’s expenses after relocating to a foreign country where we have no source of income, especially since I recently learned that my university will send us to another country for our clinical year (the 4th year) on a scholarship.
This financial aid has had a significant positive impact on me, as it provides some relief and allows me to support my family, whether for my travel or for assistance with other expenses. It has alleviated a substantial financial burden. Thank you so much for your help.
Best regards,”
Lojain
74: Testimonial from Fatima
“I am from Gaza and left during the war on 3 April 2024. Our house was destroyed and we went to Egypt with nothing. My father lost his clinic, and my mother lost her salary. I am currently studying online with the Islamic University of Gaza.
I applied for assistance to help me continue my education and have used it to purchase necessary tools, such as a laptop and other resources, to better follow my studies.”
Fatima
75- Testimonial from Rami
“I would like to thank the FQMS organisation for this financial aid. I am a third-year medical student at Al-Azhar University and am currently in Cairo, Egypt. This aid has helped me to apply for some courses and purchase books for my studies. It was very kind of you to provide support to me as a medical student from Gaza.
Thank you once again!”
Rami
76: Testimonial from Omar
“I am a second-year medical student from Gaza, currently living in Egypt without my family, who are still in Gaza, and I have no source of income. I am reaching out to you due to my situation. The financial support has been immensely helpful; I’ve used it to purchase winter clothes, pay my rent, and cover various living expenses. I am truly grateful for your assistance.”
Omar
77- Testimonial from Lara
“I study medicine at Al-Islamic University in Gaza. The war has turned everything upside down, and nothing is as it once was. We hope that life can return to normal. Your financial assistance has greatly improved our circumstances.
Thank you for your support.”
Lara
78- Testimonial from Abdallah
“I’m a third-year medical student whose education was abruptly disrupted by the recent genocide. Faced with immense challenges and the breakdown of Gaza’s educational system, I made the decision to move to Egypt to continue my studies and seek new opportunities. With my family’s income significantly impacted, your support has been invaluable on this journey. I want to sincerely thank you for your assistance, which has enabled me to purchase study materials and clothing and cover my rent and food expenses. I am truly grateful for your generosity. Thank you very much.”
Abdallah
79- Testimonial from Hadil
“When the war began on October 7th, I was in my final year studying medicine at Al-Azhar University in Gaza. Like everyone else, the events that followed turned my life upside down. However, I managed to escape Gaza to continue my studies and work towards graduation. Since then, I have received no financial assistance from any organisation, and my family in Gaza has lost all sources of income due to the war.
Half a year after I left, this generous support has arrived at a critical time, just as I prepare to return to Egypt for my final exams. The cost of the return airfare far exceeds all my estimates, and this support will significantly ease that burden.
I am deeply grateful for this assistance from the Hanoon Foundation. I hope initiatives like this continue to inspire and support the aspirations of Palestinian students, whose dreams have often been affected by the ongoing strife in Gaza.”
Hadil
80- Testimonial from Hala
“I am a second-year medical student from the Gaza Strip. I am currently studying in Egypt while my family remains in Gaza. I applied for assistance as I am here alone and in need of support. The financial aid you provided has been a great help, covering living expenses, transportation, and house rent. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. I hope you continue supporting and helping medical students here in Cairo.
Best regards,”
Hala