Israeli court ruling: No Gaza students in Israel!

Friday June 08, 2007 11:53 by Vasilena Todorova - IMEMC News

Students from the Gaza Strip were denied the right to enroll in Israeli universities by a decision of the Israeli High Court of Justice this week.

The case of Wisam Madhoon, a Gaza resident who wanted to study environmental science at Tel Aviv University, was brought by Gisha, an Israeli non-profit organization for freedom of movement of Palestinians. The court ruled in favor of the Israeli state, claiming that Gaza residents have no inherent right to study in Israel and that security and diplomatic issues are main reasons for barring them from higher education.

Madhoon, 28, has a master’s degree in environmental engineering from a university in Malaysia where he researched the environmental impact of project on air pollution. Back in Gaza, he works at a developmental organization and aspires to enroll in the Ph.D. environmental program at Tel Aviv University. Although he received an invitation to visit the school and the full support from the head of the department, his new educational journey was stopped short right from the start.?
When Madhood applied the Israeli army for a travel permission to enter Israel for an interview at the university, his request was rejected without explanation.

“Pursuing my studies at Tel Aviv University is my only chance to advance as a researcher in the field of environmental science,” said Madhoon. Currently, no Ph.D. programs are offered in his field in Gaza and West Bank universities. Madhoon, a father of three and the sole provider for his family, cannot afford higher education abroad.

Israeli security policy bars Gaza residents from visiting Israel except “in special humanitarian cases.” But in 2006 more than 3,000 entry permits were issued for medical, business and family reasons.

Madhood is gravely disappointed that Israeli officials isolate Gaza residents from learning at Israeli institutions. He said that such policy is detrimental to future cooperation between the two sides.

The doctoral candidate, who wishes to specialize in air pollution and the greenhouse effect, said that "there is an opportunity to build human and academic bridges and a better future for Israelis and Palestinians. In my case, there is potential for collaboration in the field of air pollution. We are indeed living under the same sky.

Last month Britain’s University and College Union (UCU), representing some 120,000 educators, voted to boycott Israeli academic institutions and programs. Union members deplored Israel’s occupation of Palestine and the violation of Palestinian educational rights by curfews, checkpoints, travel restrictions, delegates said. UCU is pressuring the European Union to adopt a similar action against Israel’s injustice towards Palestinian students.

"In Israel, people are angry over the British demand for an academic boycott, but Israel itself is in fact academically boycotting Palestinians," said Madhoon,

gaza strip | human rights | news report