December 19, 2025

International Human Solidarity Day on 20 December gains deeper meaning through Türkiye’s hand of friendship extended to young people affected by war. Gazan students whose education was interrupted by Israel’s attacks have found a way to hold on to life again in Türkiye, thanks to initiatives by the Council of Higher Education.

At a time when many countries closed their doors, the stories of Zaina, who continues her medical education in Türkiye, and Tasnem, who is building her future in Türkiye, have become the most tangible examples of a solidarity that teaches humanity a powerful lesson. With Türkiye opening its arms to them, Palestinian students are turning their unfinished dreams into reality.

Zaina Alkhazendar, a third-year medical student at the School of Medicine of the University of Health Sciences, is among the young people forced to leave their country because of the war. She emphasized that she applied to many countries in order to continue the medical education she had begun in Gaza, but that only Türkiye accepted her.

With hope rekindled by the positive response from Türkiye, Zaina said, “I applied for transfer to different countries so I could continue my education, but only Türkiye accepted me. I received interest and support here that I did not see from other countries. I am grateful—I could not have imagined this.”

Noting that Türkiye provides not only academic but also humanitarian support, Zaina stated that the educational environment in Türkiye has given her strength.

Dreaming of serving her country as a doctor in the future, Zaina added, “I want to carry everything I have experienced here, this friendship and support, into the future. I will pass on these beautiful memories I gained in Türkiye to my children and to those around me.”

“The Turkish people stood by me, as they do by other oppressed people”

Palestinian student Tasnem Lubbad, who was injured due to Israel’s attacks on Gaza, also found the opportunity to continue her education in Türkiye, where she came for medical treatment.

Tasnem, who is pursuing a master’s degree in International Business Administration at Ostim Technical University, said that her education in Türkiye marked a turning point in her life.

Describing how this experience transformed her, Tasnem said:

“The Turkish people stood by me, just as they stand by other oppressed people. Türkiye gave me the strength to live again. Studying here has made me a stronger and more determined individual.”

After completing her education, Tasnem aims to work internationally for the Palestinian cause. “Even as challenges increase, one must not give up,” she said. “Türkiye offered us not only education but also hope. I would like to express my gratitude for the support provided and the hospitality shown to us.”