UNAIR NEWS – Based on the Universitas Airlangga academic calendar, in September 2018, there were three graduation ceremony by Rector of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasih, S.E., M.T., Ak., CMA., on Saturday, September 8, Sunday, September 9 and Tuesday,  September 11.
Sunday, September 9, was an unforgettable day for one of UNAIR students from the Middle East, Ahmed Muhammad Omar Al-Madani. The UNAIR student from Gaza, Palestine was graduated with the other 3,666 graduates.
Ahmed, was UNAIR student in Social Sciences doctoral program, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP). Ahmed had underwent an open dissertation defense exam at Adi Sukadana Room, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (FISIP) UNAIR on Monday, July 16.
The dissertation entitled “Hamas and Iran: A Strategy Alliance Betwen A State and A Non State Actor (2005-2015)” made Ahmed acquire his doctorate degree at UNAIR. He was graduated by Rector on Sunday, September 9 with other 1,330 graduates.
Regarding his long journey to study at UNAIR, Ahmed officially entered and joined UNAIR as a student in November 2013 due to his country’s unfavorable conditions, until Ahmed was stuck at the border. He had to travel a lot. In fact, he had to clarify his affairs border guards.
“To get out of Gaza, I have to go through Rafah Border. Rafah Border is a border between Gaza and Egypt. Rafah Border is always closed and only certain people can access it, “he recalled.
Every day Ahmed had to go the Rafah Border. The goal was only one, to negotiate with the guards there so he could go out and fly to Indonesia.
“At that time, there were only two choices, I stayed in Gaza with a situation like this or I got out of Gaza and made my life better (continued education, ed),” he said.
Ahmed finally got the chance to receive Excellent Scholarship for foreign students given by Government of Republic of Indonesia through the Ministry of Education and Culture. His struggle came to fruition as Ahmed completed his S3 education at UNAIR.
In his graduation at Airlangga Convention Center, Campus C UNAIR, Ahmed graduated with other FISIP S3 graduates. There was unusual thing happened in graduation. When his name was called to get a graduation certificate. Ahmed was seen wearing a scarf with a Palestinian flag, dominated by red, white, green and black.
UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nasih, SE, MT., Ak., CMA., also congratulated Ahmed. Unexpectedly, Ahmed put the scarf around the rector’s  neck. There was a great applause from the graduates and guests.
“Thank you Universitas Airlangga. Thank you Indonesia. For this opportunity and experience, “Ahmed said. (*)
Author: Fenoria Rifa’I Ferry
