Dr. Kherieh Rassas, President of the Mediterranean Universities Union (UNIMED) and Vice President of An-Najah National University for International and External Affairs, delivered a compelling address during the Scholars at Risk 2024 Global Congress held from June 25-27. The congress convened prominent researchers, academics, and higher education experts worldwide.

In her keynote on sustaining higher education through crises, Dr. Rassas underscored the urgent need for a unified and comprehensive approach to address the escalating educational challenges in Gaza. She emphasized, "The sustainability of higher education is pivotal in fostering resilience and hope, and in cultivating the human capital crucial for Gaza’s recovery and future development."

Highlighting the severe academic conditions and infrastructural devastation in Gaza, Dr. Rassas also addressed the hindrances imposed on academic mobility between Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem. "Geographical barriers and administrative restrictions severely limit access to educational resources," she noted, referencing ongoing impediments since 2000.

Dr. Rassas further emphasized the unity of educational efforts between Gaza and the West Bank, stressing the crucial role of academics and researchers in advancing Palestinian education despite challenges.

Addressing ongoing initiatives, Dr. Rassas talked about the Technical Education Support for Higher Education Students Initiative (TESI), launched in February 2024 by An-Najah National University in collaboration with UNIMED and the Palestinian Student Scholarship Fund. This initiative, aimed at enabling Gaza students to continue their university education, garnered significant international support and serves as a scalable model for crisis response in education.

Dr. Rassas concluded her address with a call to action, urging global stakeholders to support initiatives like TESI. "Enabling Gaza students to pursue higher education represents a swift and responsible response to a complex humanitarian crisis," she stated.