Sungurlu Vocational School Conference Hall hosted a meaningful gathering that resonated with the common conscience of humanity. On Thursday, October 9, 2025, the same day as the ceasefire agreement that echoed worldwide, an online interview was held with Sawsan Alsultani, an English law student living in Gaza.
The program was attended by academic and administrative staff, as well as a large number of students. The event was organized under the leadership of School Director Dr. Özlem Bal and moderated by Instructor Saliha Kevser Kavuncu.
Connecting from South Gaza, where internet access is limited, Sawsan described the devastation of war with the following words: "Our home was in the North, and when the war started, we moved to the South. Now people are living in tents, on the streets. The war took not only our belongings but also our memories."
She expressed her belief in studying law with these words: "I am ashamed in this war because I couldn't claim my rights. But I will study, and I will claim my rights. Clean water is a human right. One day, justice will prevail."
She shared her feelings on the day the ceasefire was declared with these words: "I didn't believe it would happen, but today it became real. I feel both joy and sorrow. What we've lost will not return, but at least we will no longer live in fear. This ceasefire is hope for us, but we are still praying. The people of Gaza are very tired..."
During the interview, Sawsan described Jerusalem as "more than a city, a cause and an identity" and said, "Jerusalem is everything to us. I’ve never been there, but I believe it will be free one day."
At the end of the program, Dr. Özlem Bal evaluated the event with these words: "Sawsan's voice is not only a call from Gaza, but also a cry from the conscience of humanity. This meeting is a lesson in humanity."
Throughout the interview, a deep silence, intense emotion, and excitement dominated the hall. Students, academic and administrative staff listened to Sawsan's words, sometimes with tears, sometimes with pride.
That day, a bridge of hearts was built from Sungurlu to Gaza on the screen.
Today, it was not words that passed through that bridge, but humanity — two shores, one heart.
