I'VE LIVED IN THE SHADOW of relentless conflict my whole life. I was born in 1998 and grew up in the Rimal neighbourhood of Gaza City. My family and I often had to evacuate to the homes of friends or relatives to wait out bombing or fighting. When I was seven, a blast violently rocked my school while I was in class.
My father, a French teacher, and my mother, an English teacher, were deeply committed to our education. Under their guidance, my two younger brothers and I became fluent in both languages. We dreamed of moving to Canada, known for its welcoming attitude toward Muslim immigrants. I saw education as my way out, so I pursued biotechnology at the Islamic University of Gaza. Then, in 2021, I met a Canadian during a visit to Egypt. We got married and, in early 2023, moved to Montreal. I gained permanent residency. But the marriage didn't last, and I returned to Gaza later that year to visit my family.
This story is from the October 2024 edition of Maclean's.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 2024 edition of Maclean's.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A Teacher's Tale
My career in Quebec ended because I chose to keep my hijab
Top Marks
InSaguenay, Quebec, Ecole de l'Etincelle embodies the school of the future
Modernize Parental Leave
Canada's birth rate is dropping, and the cost of living is partly to blame. A more supportive leave plan would make parenthood more affordable
"I spent years trying to learn English.Now I use ChatGPT."
AI isn't perfect, but it helps me write complex emails and understand Canadian culture
MY PREDICTION - The National School Food Program Will Transform Kids' Health
When students have access to nutritious food, they do better in school and life
FOOD
The exorbitant cost of food will have ripple effects on the restaurant industry and grocery stores. The good news? There's a plan to save the country's salmon supply.
MY PREDICTION - New Mortgage Rules Will Drive Up Housing Prices
Looser lending policies will encourage more people to buy homes they can't afford in the first place
HOUSING
Politicians will spar over how to tackle the housing crisis. Falling interest rates will draw young people into the real estate market. And a rude awakening is coming for homeowners renewing mortgages.
MY PREDICTION - Stuctured Literacy Will Help Level the Educational Playing Field
Canadian students have struggled to read and write. That stops this year.
EDUCATION
Quebec's classrooms will take centre stage in the secularism debate. Chatbots will help students create A-plus work, while others will grade themselves. And thousands of international students will be sent home.
