In world news, USA has withdrawn Fulbright Grants to students in Gaza. Apparently Israel has declared that area a “hostile territory” and is attempting to choke the Hamas party that operates from there by locking that area down. Only medical treatment is considered a good enough reason to allow movement into or out of that region. Political pressure in the USA by Israel has made the Fulbright withdrawal possible.
What a pity. It wasn’t a good idea when Nazi Germany felt justified in denying education to Jews. Surprisingly enough, it still isn’t a good idea.
It’s not a good idea to deny anyone education. The world continues to tolerate the denial of education of women all over the world, in the name of religion or tradition. Now we deny education in the name of anti-terrorism. Put a pretty name on it and call it the Patriot Act, it’s still a disintegration of rights. Denial of education is a violation of something I believe should not be denied to anyone. Kick me out of any country for saying that!
The Gazan young people who seek education in the US under the Fulbright have already been screened, and Israel will probably benefit from an educated opposition. If Israel denies these Palestinians education, Israel is surely making that population dumber and angrier and that’s a deadly combination. The US-educated Israelis should know that.
The Gazans should be allowed to attend US universities under Fulbright. Let’s give the next generation the tools they need to correct this generation’s carelessness and neglect.