At Palazzo Bo today the student and researcher who arrived from Gaza
06.10.2025
A brief meeting with the press, many smiles, and great emotion marked the arrival today at the University of Padua of Ayah Altarhawi, enrolled in the Bachelor’s program in Italian Medieval and Renaissance Studies, and Sabra Mahmoud, Associate Professor of Economics at Alazhar University of Gaza. They are here for a research project at the Department of Economics and arrived in Padua a few days ago from Gaza thanks to humanitarian corridors and the reception programs and scholarships provided by the University of Padua.
Ayah Altarhawi and Sabra Mahmoud were welcomed by the Minister of University and Research, Anna Maria Bernini, and the Rector, Daniela Mapelli.
"Together with CRUI," explained the Minister, "we shared the decision and the opportunity to offer full scholarships to continue doing what universities are meant to do: cultural exchange. I personally welcomed Ayah Altarhawi and Sabra Mahmoud in Amman last week, and with them, we brought 39 students destined for 15 Italian universities, as well as 70 other people reuniting with family members or patients already in Italy.
Our goal, together with the Ministry of Defense, CRUI, the Crisis Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Civil Protection, is to bring more people here as soon as possible through scholarships reserved for students and visiting professors. Concrete actions are the best way to support Palestine. The presence of Ayah Altarhawi and Sabra Mahmoud here today is proof of this commitment."
"We are not just evacuating people from the Gaza Strip," continued the Rector, "but what the government is doing, together with all its administrations, with the strong collaboration between CRUI, Italian universities, and the MUR, is fundamental. Without this collaboration, we would never have been able to bring any students out of Gaza.
Without everyone’s commitment, it would have been impossible to carry out such complex and risky operations. Universities do what they are meant to do: educate people. And we want to continue educating students and professors who, at this moment, cannot do so in their own country, so that they can later return and contribute to the development of their communities—training the leadership of what will be the new Palestine.
We are thrilled. This is a project we are extremely proud of, and we hope to welcome more students in the coming days."
"I sincerely thank all the people who made this possible," said Professor Sabra Mahmoud. "I have been in contact with the institutions for a year, but until now it was impossible to leave Gaza. These corridors represent fundamental opportunities for students and professors. My thoughts are also with my loved ones who are far away, and I sincerely thank the Minister for the promise to help reunite my family here in Italy. The Palestinian people also deeply appreciate the support and solidarity of the Italian people."
"It is a dream to be here today," concluded Ayah Altarhawi. "When I won the scholarship a year ago, I never imagined I would be able to leave Gaza. This opportunity is extraordinary for me because studying has always been a priority and a deep desire. Now I hope to be reunited with my family soon and that all the students who have won scholarships but are still there can finally leave and pursue their dreams."
