Discover how Al-Quds University became a lifeline during the conflict, serving as a shelter and humanitarian aid distribution centre while offering hope to thousands of displaced families.
Al Quds in its prime.
Photo credit: Al Quds Website
AI-Quds University, also known as Jerusalem University, was established in 1970. The Regional Campus in Gaza City was one of many locations throughout Gaza, the West Bank and neighbouring countries. A public university, Al Quds began in the middle of Gaza City in 1992. The next twenty years saw rapid expansion including the North Gaza branch, which was established in 2001.
The North Gaza Branch specialized in:
- Arts
- Technology and applied sciences
- Social and family development
- Administrative and economic sciences
- Educational sciences
They also had an option for an Educational Qualification Diploma, similar to a GED.
It Was Lauded
In its twenty plus years of service, the Gaza branches of Al Quds University received several grants and partnerships for research and instruction including:
- American Consulate Project: Applied English Language Capacity Building - 2015
- Developing Administrative and Economic Research Centers in Palestinian Universities - 2015-2018
- Managing Scientific Research Outputs through accessible Institutional Repositories in Palestinian Higher Education Institutions - 2016-2019
- Notable graduates include journalists, lawyers, activists, scientists, and politicians.
- The North Gaza campus alone published 267 academic papers.
A Tragic End
In December of 2023, the North Gaza Branch of Al Quds University became the site for a massive distribution of hot meals. With more than 2,750 people served, Helping Hand for Relief and Development (HHRD) was among the first organizations to provide assistance inside Gaza after October 7, 2023.
In 2025, the university became a shelter for displaced families. HHRD provided humanitarian services in Gaza well in advance of the 2023 escalation. Seasonal relief like Ramadan food, winter blankets and Qurbani meat were delivered to impoverished families since 2013. But after the bombardments increased, HHRD added tents, blankets, hygiene kits, emergency restrooms, food and water.
Palestinians lined up for hot meals at the university in 2023. Photo credit: HHRD
While the university was a shelter, HHRD delivered an average of 40 cubic meters of drinking water per visit. One cubic meter is about enough to fill a bathtub.
Between March and June 2025, HHRD returned to Al Quds University at least five times, taking photographic documentation and serving approximately 12,000 internally displaced people.
Photo credit: HHRD
Children in the university when it was a shelter.
Photo credit: HHRD
The distribution of water in the Gaza Strip was and continues to be difficult. Water comes from facilities that are still functioning and is delivered into the community via truck six days per week. Distribution points need to be revised quickly in response to military activity and infrastructure disruption. However, whenever possible, HHRD returns to a specific camp or shelter multiple times to support the people living there.
The exterior of the building, nearly destroyed in May, 2025
Photo credit: HHRD
In November 2025, the university was briefly used by the Israeli military before being completely destroyed. Pieces of some of the buildings may still house desperate IDPs, but the majority of all properties have been reduced to rubble. HHRD is no longer able to deliver water to people living in the classrooms, but the organization is still supporting survivors wherever they are found.
Statement from AI-Quds University
''Al-Quds Open University ... steadfastly upholds the mission of enlightenment, bravely countering the efforts ... to sow ignorance within our society education remains our steadfast ally in the Palestinian struggle, a powerful tool guiding our path forward. Our people's resilience shines brightly, showcasing a rich tapestry woven with innovation, scientific achievements, profound thoughts, cultural richness, and unwavering excellence."
Author Bio:
Gretchen Elhassani is a freelance writer/nonprofit secretary working with Helping Hand for Relief and Development. HHRD is a global Muslim humanitarian organisation that provides immediate and long term support for communities that have suffered collective trauma.
Links:
@helpinghandusa
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