A Palestinian in Ireland: ‘It’s up to us to start a new chapter after all of this destruction’

Weeks after Sarraj Alsersawi moved from Gaza to Dublin in September 2023 as part of the Ireland-Palestine Scholarship Programme, his life was turned upside down in the wake of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7th. While trying to adjust to college in a new country, Alsersawi feared for the safety of his Palestinian family and friends who were now living under constant Israeli bombardment.

“It wasn’t a typical international student experience. You could talk about the weather, you could talk about accommodation, for example. Those are everyone’s issues. But you have all of that plus seeing your country on the news, seeing your friends and family being bombed.”

Despite facing immense stress throughout his degree, the recent Dublin City University (DCU) graduate came top of his electronics and computer technology class. Unfortunately, Alsersawi’s mother – his “number one supporter” – was unable to make it to Ireland for the graduation in March. He says she was not granted a visa to travel over, but hopes they will be reunited again soon.

“I had mixed feelings. If you look at the Dean’s list pictures, I’m the only one who’s shaking the Dean’s hand with nobody beside me. I had no friends or family to join in this special moment with me.”