Israa, 23, is a Fakhoora Alumni who completed her degree in Computer Engineering from the Islamic University in Gaza on 2014. Israa is best known in Gaza for promoting youth activism and lobbying for new ideas. Being among the early group of students participating in the Dynamic Futures Virtual Majlis program that commenced in 2010, Israa says “the activities of Al Fakhoora engaged me with the community and youth. This made me much closer to people, and helped me understand exactly what the youth would like their ideas to become. The Virtual Majlis experience in particular engaged us with students from outside Gaza; this experience showed me that people are eager to know more about Gaza.”

 

Israa is very optimistic about what young people can accomplish in Gaza and fondly reflects on her time in the program, stating “Fakhoora has inspired us to be global citizens, spread Gaza’s message and speak up on the behalf of the youth in Gaza. Fakhoora’s Virtual Majlis was the first platform that allowed me to reach a global audience. I have now taken the lead in mobilizing eight former Gaza students, one of them managed to organize the first ever Fakhoora TEDx in Gaza,” said Israa Yasin. 

 

TEDx will have 100 youth attendees and 7 speakers at the event, squarely placing them in the global spotlight. Regarding Israa’s participation at TEDx she adds, “This is a very interesting experience that will have large impact on my skills and experience and only enhance my qualifications.”  

 

Alumni like Israa hope that the new platform will allow the Gazan youth to share their own ideas with the world. Israa concludes, “TEDx platform is just another reflection of all that we learned in Al Fakhoora. Thinking outside the box to initiate a platform that will unveil the beautiful face of Gaza. It isn’t only about war and misery, but also creative and intellectual ideas that are worth spreading globally… that’s our message.”