“I am terribly unhappy and depressed”: Students accepted to Finnish universities remain trapped in Gaza

For Gazan students accepted to Finnish universities, admission has not opened a path out of the territory. They cannot submit the residence permit applications needed to begin their studies in Finland.

Hassan Herzallah, a 22-year-old student, joined a video call after walking nearly half an hour from his tent to an internet cafe. He had to leave his home in Rafah in southern Gaza two years ago because of Israeli bombardment.

Herzallah now lives in a tent with his father, mother, two sisters and brother. His days are spent securing basic necessities, including water and food, while trying to keep going. “I am terribly unhappy and depressed,” he says in the headline describing the students’ situation.

Johanna Viimaranta, dean at the University of Helsinki, tried unsuccessfully to reach Finland’s embassy in Tel Aviv after students asked her to negotiate on their behalf. Jussi Tanner, Finland’s consular chief, says Finland is not obligated to help them cross the border. The students remain unable to move forward with their residence permit applications.

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I am terribly unhappy and depressed.