Eighteen-year-old Saba Rabah achieved a remarkable academic milestone despite living through war, displacement and personal tragedy. The student from central Gaza secured the highest position in the science stream of Palestine’s national Tawjihi secondary school examinations, becoming a symbol of determination and hope.
Just days before her final exams, a bombing hit the house opposite the temporary shelter where Rabah and her family were staying. The attack forced them to flee once again, leaving behind their belongings during an already difficult period.
Student Overcomes War Challenges to Achieve Top Position
Rabah’s success came during the first Tawjihi examinations held in Gaza since the war began in October 2023. She scored 99.9 percent in the science stream and ranked first across Palestine.
“I achieved a score of 99.9 percent, ranking first in the nation in the science stream,” Rabah told AFP while wearing her graduation gown during a celebration at Al-Maghazi refugee camp.
The exams took place in June across Gaza, the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Egypt and other locations with Palestinian communities. The examinations returned after a three-year gap.
However, thousands of students faced major difficulties while preparing. Airstrikes and shelling damaged or destroyed many educational buildings across Gaza. Several surviving schools became shelters for displaced families, limiting access to normal education.
Around 89,000 students appeared in the secondary school examinations this year. More than 25,000 students participated in the science stream, where Rabah achieved the top score.
Achievement Dedicated to Father Lost During War
Rabah dedicated her success to her father, Fayed Rabah, who was killed during the conflict. She also credited her mother, siblings and teachers for supporting her journey.
When the results were announced, relatives and neighbours celebrated the achievement. Young men danced to drumbeats while people gathered to congratulate the family.
Rabah hugged her loved ones and received flowers beneath her father’s portrait. The emotional moment reflected both pride and the painful loss behind her achievement.
Studying Through Fear and Displacement
Rabah’s journey to success continued through two years of conflict. Her father worked as a teacher at UNRWA schools before he died in an Israeli airstrike in June 2024.
The family had already experienced multiple displacements before his death. Israeli military operations forced them to leave Al-Maghazi camp, while their home was destroyed in January 2024.
After losing her father, Rabah and her family continued moving between different locations for safety.
“We were displaced so many times that I can no longer remember the exact number,” Rabah said.
“There was so much displacement and fear… our house was destroyed. I lost half of my books, but I never gave up on my goals.”
Dream of Becoming a Doctor Continues
Preparing for exams remained challenging as power shortages and internet disruptions affected her studies. At times, Rabah travelled to other areas for private lessons and examinations despite the dangers along the way.
“My ambition is to enter medical school … the dream that my father had for me,” she said.
“My greatest hope is that all my hard work will be recognised and that I will receive a full scholarship to study medicine.”
Her mother, Feryal Ahmed Rabah, said her daughter’s achievement brought happiness after months of grief and hardship. She recalled that Saba often studied using a mobile phone torch during difficult conditions.
“The joy is indescribable. I expected her to be among the top students, but she became the top student in all of Palestine, and that feeling cannot be put into words,” she said.
Rabah’s success represents more than an academic achievement. Her story reflects resilience, determination and the power of education even during the most challenging circumstances.
