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The University of Westminster in London hold their first Virtual Majlis!

Fakhoora Gaza-based students, met for the first time this week with The University of Westminster and Imperial College London students, in a very successful Virtual Majlis.

 

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Selma's VM writing workshop

In a very special Virtual Majlis session, author Selma Dabbagh met last night with 10 Al Fakhoora students for a fascinating writing workshop.

Selma’s recently published novel, ‘Out of It’ (Bloomsbury, 2011) book bears a special significance for the Al Fakhoora students for numerous reasons. Gaza is the main location for the novel, with other sections based in London and the Gulf, and the two central characters of the novel are also young, like the students, and negotiating their feelings towards the mounting political situation around them.

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Author Selma Dabbagh to be a Virtual Majlis guest

Palestinian-born British writer Selma is confirmed for a Virtual Majlis session with Gaza.

On Monday the 13th February, Selma will be holding a book signing, and we hope to later offer some signed copies to win in an online competition!

The following evening Selma will be participating in a question and answer session hosted by Professor Wasserman at the Student Centre in Education City, where the Qatar Al Fakhoora team is based.

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A long-awaited industry boom for Gaza!

The construction industry in Gaza is experiencing a spirit-lifting boost, according to a report released by UNWRA, and international press.
 
The Israeli army have previously been concerned that building materials may be used for aggressive means such as rockets, weapons stores or bunkers, despite easing the regulations of the blockaded area in 2010.
 

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The Journey from Gaza to Norwich, UK

One of our masters’ students charts a journey of a lifetime from Gaza to Norwich in the UK.

On the 7th of September at 03:30am, I woke up, dressed and prepared my bags to leave.

I prayed Al Fajr, and 10 minutes later the taxi that was going to take me to the checkpoint at Rafah, was in front of my house. I kissed my sister and gave her a long hug and then took my bags and put them in the taxi. My best friend helped me with my bags, and then he hugged me and wished me all the best of luck.

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Online Dialogue Forum 'Virtual Majlis' launched in the USA, Gaza and Doha

Al Fakhoora has officially launched its 'Virtual Majlis' initiative, an online weekly meeting for students from Doha, Gaza and the US, which aims to create deeper understanding and explore commonalities.
 
The Virtual Majlis (VM) primarily provides youth in Gaza with an opportunity to engage with a western audience and address misconceptions. There is also discussion regarding the role of the media in reflecting the realities of life in Gaza after Operation Cast Lead and in the wake of the Israeli imposed blockade.
 

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Flotilla II stalled; but it's not over yet... by Omar Abdul Jabar

Flotilla II is now assembled and ready for the trip to Gaza, but with political hesitation and abandonment, there are problems to overcome first.

Following the tragic deaths of several people aboard the ‘Mavi Marmara’ in 2010, the determination of this time successfully breaking through the blockade and delivering much needed aid, is high.

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Gaza’s Ancient Coastline by Hazem Bitar

As young children, we all asked our parents or teachers why the sea looks blue when we look at it from a distance, but turns out to be colourless when we come near it.
 
We were all given the same scientific answer: Seawater is as colourless as the water we drink, but it reflects the colour of the sky, which is usually blue.
 

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My Homeland by Hazem Bitar

Oh homeland of mine, sifting through my hands like the sands of a dream, I draw strength from your flag - its colors red, green, black and white float in my mind as both a symbol of freedom and a symbol of struggle.
 
My mind recites the names of your cities and villages spread across the Holy map,
 
I picture the names of the heroes who have drawn the legacy of the revolution with guns and their blood, the Flag their scarf and a symbol of the Palestinian revolution.
 

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Fakhoora Summer Camp is a great success!

85 Fakhoora students have just returned from a wonderful time at their summer camp, courtesy of Al Fakhoora’s Scholarship program.
 
A month before the camp, preparations had begun for the activities; everything from the collection of props, materials and equipment to the planning of the positions of leaders and participants in the competitions had been considered before arrival at camp on the first day.
 

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