Palestinian students begin studies in MIC after Gaza evacuation

EIGHT Palestinian students have arrived in Limerick to begin their studies at Mary Immaculate College (MIC), after being evacuated from Gaza. 

The students had all secured scholarships, either from the Irish government or directly from MIC, but up until their evacuation, it remained uncertain whether they would be able to leave Gaza.

Four students arrived through evacuations that happened in April and July. The remaining four students were among a group of 52 Palestinian students to arrive in Ireland just in time for the start of the academic year, as part of a coordinated national effort involving Irish higher education institutions, the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Further and Higher Education. 

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The operation involved permission from Israeli authorities to exit Gaza, entry clearance from Jordan, and onward travel through Istanbul before arriving in Dublin.

After medical screening and support in Dublin, MIC staff met the students and brought them to their new accommodation in Limerick, where they are all settling into their first week of lectures.

For the students, the chance to study in Ireland represents both relief and renewed hope.

“Once I arrived here and started feeling I’m safe, the tears streamed down my cheeks. I said to myself, ‘maybe this is the beginning of healing, maybe now I can fully breathe.’” described one student. “I’m so happy to be in Ireland after waiting so long, but still feel sad because of what is happening to my people and my own family. May God protect them”.

Another student added, “Amidst the darkness of war in Gaza, Ireland has opened a rare door for me. A one-in-a-million chance to continue my studies. It is not merely an educational opportunity, but a new life, a ray of hope piercing through despair. I will carry the voice and suffering of my people to the world and show that hope can bloom even beneath the rubble”.

The students’ arrival follows months of behind-the-scenes work by higher education institutions across Ireland. Together, the sector mobilised to guarantee support packages, ensuring that 52 university scholarship holders could be considered for the most recent evacuation.

Dr Holly Cowman, Director of International Engagement at MIC, said, “We are just so relieved to have our students with us safely and delighted to welcome them into the College community.”

“It has been a privilege to work with colleagues across the higher education sector, led by Trinity College Dublin, with the Department of Foreign Affairs, and all who made this possible. We are glad to have been able to offer these inspiring students’ safety, dignity, and the chance to continue their education at Mary Immaculate College,” Dr Cowman added. 

As they begin their studies, MIC has pledged ongoing academic, financial, psychological, and social support to help the eight new arrivals to rebuild their lives in Ireland.