From Gaza to Padua: a student and a researcher arrive thanks to humanitarian corridors
03.10.2025
Yesterday, the first two Palestinian university students from Gaza arrived in Padua, thanks to humanitarian corridors and scholarships provided by the University of Padua.
One is a 21-year-old student enrolled in a medieval studies program, who will stay for three years, and the other is a researcher of about fifty from the Department of Economics, whose stay is initially planned for three months, though the University will do everything possible to extend it.
They were welcomed by Massimiliano Zattin, Vice-Rector for Internationalization at the University of Padua, who recounted the difficulties of their journey. The two left Gaza by bus, but the vehicle was struck by gunfire, making their departure even more dramatic. After finally reaching Jordan, they underwent the first health checks there. From Jordan, a flight took them first to Rome Ciampino, then to Milan Linate, before finally reaching Padua during the night.
Both will be hosted in university residences and supported by dedicated tutors; they will be provided with board, lodging, health insurance, as well as psychological assistance and support in obtaining their residence permit.
The University’s commitment does not stop there: soon, four more students fleeing the war will be enrolled. Two of them have already obtained visas and will depart from the West Bank, while the other two, still in Gaza, are waiting for the necessary documents.
“It has been a complex effort that required months of dedication from many people,” Zattin emphasized, “but we are happy, because the outlook is that more students will be able to arrive. The University of Padua has taken on the responsibility of offering not only services, but also scholarships that will allow them to study and build their education.”
