JOHOR BAHRU, It was a bittersweet moment for Palestinian Jehad M. A. Shehab, who received her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Islamic Civilisation Academy scroll at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) 67th convocation ceremony, today, as she is constantly worried for the safety of her parents, siblings and relatives back in Gaza, Palestine.
Jehad, 41, accompanied by her husband, Dr Abdalrahim Shehab, 46, and two of her children, said that she had mixed feelings about this academic feat, as her happiness was tinged with sadness and worry about her family in Gaza.
The mother of five said she was initially reluctant to attend the convocation but was touched by the concern of the Permaisuri of Johor, Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, the chancellor of UTM, who wanted to meet her.
“It has been two days since we have lost communication with my mother in Gaza, Today, we received sad news from my husband's side that my brother-in-law's house had been attacked. I am extremely worried for their safety because until now there is no news from my parents and family members,” she said, wiping away her tears.
“My presence here is due to the maternal nature of the Permaisuri of Johor, which has touched my heart. Right now, I miss and am worried for the safety of my parents and family in Gaza."
Jehad said this to reporters after receiving her scroll from Raja Zarith Sofiah Almarhum Sultan Idris Shah, at the Dewan Sultan Iskandar, UTM here, today.
She has lived in Malaysia since 2013 and is waiting to return to Gaza to see her mother, Mazouza, 65, and father, Muhammad, 70.
“Previously, my parents were so proud when I told them that I would be receiving my PhD after five years.
“My mother would usually reply to my text messages after seven to eight hours but for the past two days, there has been no news,” she added.
Jehad was grateful that despite facing various challenges (in pursuit of her PhD), she completed her studies with the support of her husband and family members.
She and her husband also expressed their appreciation to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and to Malaysians for their concern for the Palestinians, as well as for channelling aid, especially medical assistance.
“My deep longing for about 200 of my relatives was somewhat eased by the warmth of people here, who have given us moral support,” she added.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency