In a deeply emotional interview, Dr Karim Mahmoud Alnajjar reflects on the journey of 13 Palestinian medical students from Gaza who graduated as doctors in South Africa after their studies were disrupted by the war.

He speaks about separation from family, the pain of watching Gaza suffer from afar, the support of Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA) and Gift of the Givers (GOTG), and the hope that education and compassion can help rebuild lives even in the darkest of times.

Listen to the full interview here
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A Historic Graduation
Thirteen Palestinian medical students, displaced by the Gaza war, graduated with MBBS degrees from South African universities. Dr Karim described the achievement as unimaginable — when the war began, graduation felt impossible.

Family Reactions
His family in Gaza watched the live-streamed ceremony and were overwhelmed with joy, validating their difficult decision to send him abroad to continue his education.

Studying Under Trauma
Maintaining focus was extremely difficult. The lowest point was his fifth year, coinciding with the starvation crisis in Gaza, when he was completing rotations while his family faced dire conditions.

Role of Gift of the Givers & IMASA
Both organisations were instrumental — arranging placements, supplying equipment, funding university fees, and supporting students from arrival through graduation.

Shaped as Doctors
Experiencing conflict firsthand instilled deep resilience, which Dr Karim believes will define their medical practice.

Looking Forward
Dr Karim called for removing bureaucratic barriers facing medical graduates completing training in South Africa, and expressed deep gratitude to South Africa for its solidarity.

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