From Palestine to Venice: Silvia and Yazan’s Master’s Journey at Ca’ Foscari through the IUPALS Project

The war in Palestine has disrupted students' educational journeys, plans for the future and entire academic careers. However, in some cases, education has persisted elsewhere in secure settings through initiatives designed to safeguard the right to learn.

It is within this framework that Silvia and Yazan arrived at Ca’ Foscari. The two young Palestinians, through the IUPALS project – Italian Universities for Palestinian Students – and with the support of Ca’ Foscari, were able to commence their Master’s degree programmes in Venice: Silvia in Economics, Finance and Sustainability, and Yazan in Computer Science and Information Technology.

Led by the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI), the IUPALS project involves the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Ministry of University and Research, and the Italian Consulate General in Jerusalem, offering nearly 100 scholarships funded by 35 participating universities to students living in the Palestinian Territories. Local partners involved in the project include the Terra Sancta Schools and the Giovanni Paolo II Foundation.

The initiative also included a preparatory course in Italian language and culture, delivered by six of the participating universities. Among these was Ca’ Foscari, which, through its School for International Education, designed and delivered 120 hours of teaching for 20 students who participated in the call, enabling them to achieve an intermediate level of language proficiency. The second edition of the course began on 15 December and involves a further 25 participants who, although they did not receive a scholarship, are listed in the ranking lists of the various universities and hope to continue their academic journey in Italy.

The presence of Silvia and Yazan at Ca’ Foscari reflects a broader context of collaboration and support for the Palestinian population. The university has also welcomed two Palestinian academics from Al-Aqsa University, Alaedin Alsayed and Mahmoud Abu Aisha, who are currently engaged in a Visiting Scholar programme at the Department of Asian and North African Studies. Read their interview here-

The testimonies of the Al-Aqsa academics highlighted what the destruction of universities has meant for those who teach. Now, the stories of Silvia and Yazan recount the experiences of those who study and, in their most difficult moments, strive with determination not to give up on their journeys. For both of them, studying here is a way of keeping the idea of the future alive and continuing to build skills they hope to one day give back to their community.

Could you tell us a bit about your university experience so far? What motivated you to choose Ca' Foscari?

Silvia:  My studies strengthened my interest in the link between accounting accuracy, financial strategy, and business stability. My thesis and coursework helped me develop strong analytical skills and a passion for risk management. I chose Ca’ Foscari because the Economics, Finance, and Sustainability programme offers the advanced quantitative tools and practical approach I need to grow in this field.

Yazan: I came here at the beginning of my exchange programme and saw how the professors are good and how the Italian people are so kind and friendly. I was impressed with the teaching method, so I decided to complete my studies and transfer to become a full student. My main motivation was to gain as much knowledge as possible so I could return to my country and be useful to my people during these tough days. I've always loved Cybersecurity and believe it is a unique major to study, allowing me to specialise in this demanding field. I also discovered a unique system to teach this subject, so I decided to complete my studies here.

 

What would you like the people you’ll meet here to know about Palestine and your generation?

Silvia: I want them to know that Palestine is full of young people who are resilient, ambitious, and committed to building a better future. Despite challenges, my generation values education, creativity, and the chance to contribute positively to our communities.

Yazan: To be a person who represents his country is a big responsibility, and I've always tried to leave a good impression of myself and Palestine in general. My country these days suffers, but not for nothing. We believe that this is going to be the process of discovering the truth of our issue, and definitely we will retrieve our rights. I'd like to spread the idea of true peace by being equally treated under oppression. We will hold fast to our rights and never give up.

 

In this challenging time for Palestine, what does this scholarship mean to you? What message does it convey back home?

Silvia: This opportunity gives me hope and a sense of continuity at a time when many aspects of life are uncertain. It shows others back home that pursuing education is still possible and meaningful, and that their goals are worth holding onto even in hard times.

Yazan: It's a huge opportunity for me personally, and I will use it responsibly and take as much information as possible to be useful and usable back in my country. This opportunity allows me to bring a message of hope to the people suffering in Palestine, and especially in Gaza. My mission is to be their voice here, building a bridge to connect Italians and Palestinians more deeply.

What are your plans and hopes for the future?

Silvia: I hope to build a consultancy firm in Palestine focused on risk analysis and financial strategy. I want to use what I learn to support local businesses, strengthen their resilience, and contribute to long-term economic stability.

Yazan: Personally, I hope to complete my learning and transfer this science to my people and to deliver a good picture about the Palestinian people internationally. My hope is for peace, freedom, and justice for Palestine. My plan is to use my voice and my education to help make that a reality.