“Beirut reminds me so much of Gaza," says Plestia Alaqad, who recently arrived at the American University of Beirut (AUB) to pursue a master’s degree in media studies. Born and raised in Gaza, Palestine, Alaqad received her undergraduate degree in new media and journalism from Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) in Cyprus. After graduating in 2022, she worked as a journalist for French and British media outlets for almost two years. Her work most recently included on-the-ground coverage of the war in the Gaza Strip. A natural storyteller, Alaqad has been able to capture and convey the essence of human experiences through words that have reached millions of people around the world.
Alaqad grew up in Gaza in a warm home surrounded by a loving family. She has an older brother who is pursuing his education in Canada and a younger sister in high school in Australia. Her father works abroad; her mother was formerly the head of the middle school at the American International School in Gaza.
Alaqad arrived in Beirut from Australia where she and her family sought refuge after fleeing the war-torn Gaza Strip in November 2023. “After arriving in Australia, I realized how limiting and limited life in Gaza was as a result of the occupation. Growing up in Gaza, I had six or seven places that I went to my entire life,” she says reminiscing about her childhood. “Despite this, I missed Gaza deeply while in Australia. The sense of community that exists in Gaza is something that I didn’t find in Australia, but am hoping to find here in Beirut.”
Alaqad knew from a young age that she wanted to be a journalist when she grew up. “In the sixth grade, I had an Arabic teacher whom I deeply admired. She was also a journalist. Her passion for the field made me fall in love with journalism. As I grew older and understood media’s influence in shaping societal opinions on issues, I knew I wanted to be on the positive side of that spectrum,” she notes.
Alaqad says that she considered applying to AUB in 2019, but she opted to study in Cyprus instead. “Many of my friends back in Gaza graduated from AUB and told me how beautiful and enriching their experiences were. I am excited to be here. I believe that with every new experience you get to explore new parts of yourself that you didn’t know were there. I am especially excited about this experience because I’m going to be learning what I love most,” she says.
Alaqad says that her heart and thoughts are always with Gaza. “I will never stop advocating for the rightful cause of my country and its people. I am aware of my capabilities and am committed to further developing them. I want to fulfill my purpose and feel that coming to AUB is a major step in that direction.”
Alaqad is grateful to have been selected for the Shireen Abu Akleh Memorial Endowed Scholarship, which was established in May 2022 by the Board of Trustees of the American University of Beirut in full partnership with the Yafa Foundation. Shireen Abu Akleh Memorial Endowed Scholarships are awarded to women from Palestine who are pursuing master's degrees in media studies at AUB.
“I love being a student. I know I have a lot to learn. To be able to learn at one of the best universities in the region while receiving a scholarship named after one of the most iconic Palestinian journalists in recent history is truly an honor,” she notes.