President hails Gazan students in Ireland as 'inspiring'

Irish President Catherine Connolly hosted a reception for approximately 90 Palestinian students studying in Ireland, praising their resilience and spirit. "You challenge us in every way to reflect on what is happening with the normalisation of war and genocide," the president told the students at Áras an Uachtaráin, Ireland's presidential residence.

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You challenge us in every way to reflect on what is happening with the normalisation of war and genocide.

She emphasized that the students' presence and their experiences highlight global humanity's shared responsibility. "You tell us, and I agree, that genocide is about the whole world, it is about humanity and how we are erasing humanity," Connolly stated. She expressed gratitude for their "spirit and determination and perseverance, and also for highlighting that the obligation to take action rests with all of us."

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You tell us, and I agree, that genocide is about the whole world, it is about humanity and how we are erasing humanity.

Among the attendees were about 70 students evacuated to Ireland since August, alongside others who arrived earlier. They are enrolled in master's and undergraduate programs across various disciplines, with all expenses covered by scholarships. Students presented President Connolly with a painting and traditional Palestinian embroidery.

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We are indebted to you for your spirit and determination and perseverance, and also for highlighting that the obligation to take action rests with all of us.

Sahar Rabah, a student of Philosophy and Creative Writing, spoke on behalf of the students, thanking the Irish people for their warmth and support. "Here we have found dignity, kindness, and a chance to believe in our futures," she said. However, the students also spoke of the deep emotional toll the ongoing conflict has taken. Dima RH Shamaly, studying Electronic Engineering, described living with "trauma and shock," feeling as though she has "two different lives" while her family remains in Gaza. She recently learned of her father's death in an air strike via Facebook.

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Here we have found dignity, kindness, and a chance to believe in our futures.