Support Ameera's Dream to Serve as a Doctor in Gaza

Team fundraiser

Tobias Kirchwey and Galadriel Brady are organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Listen to my story on Instagram and read about me on the Baffler. Help me pay off my educational debt and continue serving as a physician in Gaza.

My name is Ameera Qudieh, and I'm a 24-year-old medical doctor from Gaza. I graduated from Al-Azhar University of Gaza in June 2023, but I have not yet received my diploma because I have outstanding educational debt. I want to share my journey with you and ask for your support in achieving my dream of continuing to work as a doctor.

Throughout my years of study, I actively engaged in volunteering across various institutions. With a strong foundation in project management, I've successfully coordinated multifaceted projects with precision and efficiency. Additionally, I have experience as a medical content writer. For four years, I volunteered with the International Federation of Medical Students Associations in Gaza (IFMSA-Gaza), leading health-related projects to raise awareness in our community and enhance medical student skills, including Basic Surgical Skills Training, COVID-19 Awareness Campaigns, Clinical Audit Workshops, and Antimicrobial Resistance campaigns. Subsequently, I served as Vice President for External Affairs at IFMSA-Gaza, fostering cooperation with local, national, and international institutions. I also devote my time to volunteering with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society and Save Youth Future Society."

When the war broke out in October, my family and I faced unimaginable challenges. We had to flee our home multiple times, seeking safety wherever we could find it. The constant sound of bombs and fear of airstrikes filled our days and nights. We endured many harrowing experiences, often hearing bombs nearby and hastily leaving our home when neighboring buildings were threatened. On some occasions, we found ourselves spending six hours in the streets at 2:00 am, clutching our bags for safety. Eventually, we sought refuge in a tent inside an UNRWA school in front of Naser Medical Complex in Khanyounis.

Despite the chaos, I felt compelled to help those in need. I volunteered at Naser Medical Complex, working tirelessly to provide care to the injured and displaced. The conditions were dire – the hospital was overcrowded, and resources were scarce. I often worked long shifts, and in the last days, I worked for 24 hours straight for continuous days, without rest. The emergency department was inundated with patients, and I had to make split-second decisions on who to prioritize.

Then, when the Israeli military forces entered Khan Younis, my family became besieged in a school. It was impossible for me to reach them because snipers surrounded us, shooting anyone who crossed the street. Later, they moved to a room in the hospital for two weeks, but conditions deteriorated rapidly. I found myself unable to leave the building where I was working once again due to the escalating danger. Threats through helicopters forced us to consider leaving the hospital as they threatened to enter. So, on the 15th of February at

3:00 am, we made the difficult decision to leave the hospital. That same day, the military entered the hospital, imprisoning many of my medical colleagues and subjecting them to humiliating treatment, including forcing female health care workers to remove their hijabs.

During my time at the hospital, I faced overwhelming situations. One particularly challenging day stands out in my memory. The emergency department was overflowing with patients, and there was simply no space left. Many injured individuals lay on the floor, their cries mixing with the chaos of the ward. It was a heartbreaking sight, and I knew that every second counted. I did my best to provide care to each person, but the situation was overwhelming.

The conditions were far from ideal, with shortages of staff, equipment, and basic necessities. Yet, I persevered, driven by my passion to make a difference.

During those difficult days, I witnessed the resilience of the people of Gaza. Families like mine were forced to leave their homes with only the clothes on their backs, seeking refuge wherever they could. Yet, amidst the rubble and destruction, there was hope. Hope that one day, things will get better.

During my university years, I worked hard and applied for numerous scholarships, but unfortunately, I didn't succeed despite my efforts. Our family's financial situation is dire because our home was destroyed during the 2014 aggression on Gaza. My dad had to take out a significant bank loan from his salary to rebuild our home, leaving his salary barely enough to meet our basic needs. As a result, I remain in debt, having been unable to finish paying my medical school tuition.

Now, as I look towards the future, I encounter a new obstacle. The next crucial step in my journey to becoming a doctor is to start a residency program, but I can’t do so without my diploma. Unfortunately, I am unable to receive my certificate due to outstanding tuition debts totaling $17,000. My family's financial situation simply can't afford to pay off these debts on our own. Additionally, I owe around $2,000 to acquaintances who supported me during my studies and they are now facing financial difficulties due to the ongoing war. I also need another $1,000 to apply for international exams for the equivalency of my medical school certificate in foreign countries.

Despite the destruction of my university campus during the war, I can still receive my diploma if I settle all of my tuition debts, since the medical faculty at my now-destroyed university is a branch of Al-Quds University in the West Bank.

I am reaching out to you for help. With your support, I can clear my tuition debts, repay the kind individuals who have lent me money, and take the necessary steps to pursue my career as a doctor. Every donation, no matter how small, will bring me closer to my goal.

Please consider contributing to my campaign and sharing my story with others. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that I have the opportunity to serve my community as a qualified medical professional.

Thank you for your generosity and support.

Warm regards,

Amira Qudieh