Category: All

In a special interview with Dr. Abdul Salam Al-Khayyat, Academic Vice President of An-Najah National University, the discussion shed light on the university’s strategic vision for advancing higher education and strengthening the role of students in building a knowledge-based society. Dr. Al-Khayyat emphasized the importance of aligning theoretical learning with practical application, noting that the university continuously strives to provide a stimulating environment for innovation and scientific research, especially amid rapid digital transformations. 

Speaking on the subject of student support, Dr. Al-Khayyat expressed profound gratitude toward the Global Arab Student Aid Foundation, praising its long-standing and deeply rooted relationship with An-Najah University, one that has spanned more than fifty years of continuous contribution. He explained that the foundation has played a pivotal role in enabling thousands of Palestinian students to pursue their university education, particularly those who excel academically yet face economic and social challenges. This support, he noted, has not only been financial but has also served as a powerful source of motivation, encouraging students to persevere and succeed.

Dr. Al-Khayyat underscored the importance of sustaining such meaningful initiatives, calling on the foundation to continue its noble mission of empowering Arab youth and expanding access to quality education in Palestine and across the region. He concluded the interview by reaffirming the university’s commitment to strengthening partnerships that serve students, who remain at the heart of the educational process and the foundation of sustainable development.

Columbus, OH – September 2025, For the past 15 years, Arab Student Aid International (ASAI) has operated from its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, with a mission dedicated to empowering Arab students in higher education. While ASAI’s impact has long been felt overseas, the organization is now taking intentional steps to strengthen its presence within the United States—starting right here in Columbus, with plans to expand nationwide.

This new strategic initiative provides an opportunity to broaden ASAI’s reach, raise awareness within the local community, and engage new donors in support of its mission.

As part of this effort, ASAI has launched a partnership with the Arab Student Union (ASU) at The Ohio State University. Known for fostering community among Arab students and celebrating the diversity of cultures across Arab nationalities, ASU offers a natural platform for ASAI to connect with the next generation of Arab leaders and allies.

Looking ahead, ASAI plans to sponsor ASU-hosted events and collaborate on fundraising initiatives that will amplify its mission of providing Arab students with the resources they need to pursue higher education.

The partnership began with a successful welcome BBQ hosted by ASU in September, serving as both a semester kickoff and an introduction of ASAI to the student community. The event brought students together in celebration and set the stage for a promising collaboration between the two organizations.

With this step, ASAI reaffirms its commitment not only to Arab students abroad but also to the local community, as it works to expand its impact and grow a network of support across the U.S.

Who is ASU?

The Arab Student Union (ASU) at The Ohio State University is dedicated to creating and sustaining an Arab community that supports students and welcomes all who are interested in learning more. Through its programs and events, ASU promotes a deeper understanding of Arab history, culture, and the rich political and religious diversity within the Arab world.

On campus, ASU works to educate both members and the wider university community, fostering appreciation for Arab culture and raising positive awareness of Arab American heritage. Beyond the university, ASU is committed to being politically engaged in support of justice for Arab people everywhere, while also organizing efforts to provide humanitarian aid to those in need.

Why ASAI Partnered with the Arab Student Union

Arab Student Aid International (ASAI), whose mission serves Arab students across 22 Middle Eastern countries, recognized a natural alignment with the Arab Student Union (ASU). Both organizations share a commitment to advancing education and uplifting Arab students as a community.

By joining forces, ASAI and ASU aim to seamlessly blend their efforts to raise awareness among students in the United States and abroad. The partnership provides an opportunity to spotlight Arab students nationwide and overseas, fostering unity and emphasizing the importance of education as a collective value.

For Palestinian students from Gaza, education is more than a personal goal—it is a lifeline for their communities. A significant number of Arab Student Aid International’s (ASAI) beneficiaries are medical students, young men and women determined to become physicians and return home as healers. But today, their futures hang in balance.

Osama Alsaadoni, a medical student and ASAI beneficiary, first began his journey with the organization by curating a video project to raise awareness about the impact of war on Gaza’s students. Now, he and his peers find themselves in urgent need of support. Forced to continue their studies in Egypt due to the ongoing war, these students face mounting tuition bills and the looming risk of losing their student visas.

At Zagazig University, where a group of these students are enrolled, the situation has become dire.

Tuition and Visa Status – Without payment of overdue and upcoming semester fees, the students could lose their legal status in Egypt. With Gaza’s borders closed, returning home is not an option, leaving them trapped in uncertainty—unable to study, work, or return.

Specialization and Training -Even graduation does not mark the end of their journey. To qualify as licensed physicians, they must complete their Imtiaz, a mandatory year of practical training. Without financial assistance, not only will their education be cut short, but years of study will be wasted and their ability to practice medicine permanently jeopardized.

“This is not just about tuition,” an ASAI representative emphasized. “It’s about safeguarding the future of Gaza’s healthcare system. These students represent hope—the doctors who will one day heal, rebuild, and restore their communities.”

The crisis underscores the urgent need for international solidarity. Support for Gaza’s students extends beyond classrooms; it is an investment in the resilience and recovery of a region that has long been denied stability.

In every person’s life, there are defining moments that shape who they become and fuel their drive to make a difference. The story of Dr. Maher Arafat, a lecturer in the Department of Management Information Systems at An-Najah National University in Nablus, is one of those inspiring journeys that reflect the power of determination and the impact of sincere support.

In 1985, as a young man full of ambition and hope, Dr. Maher was granted an opportunity that would forever change the course of his life—a scholarship and student loan from Arab Student Aid International, which allowed him to pursue a degree in Computerized Information Systems at the University of North Carolina in the United States. This was not just financial aid—it was an investment in a person, in a vision, and in a promise.

At the time, Dr. Maher made a heartfelt commitment to the president of the organization, Mr. Ishaq Qutob, that he would return to his homeland—Nablus—and dedicate his knowledge and experience to serving his community. That promise was never broken.

He came back to Palestine, armed with knowledge and a deep belief that education only reaches its true purpose when it is shared and used for the benefit of others. He continued his academic journey at An-Najah National University, earning two master’s degrees—one in Business Administration in 2002, and another in Curriculum Development and Teaching & Learning Strategies in 2010. This academic path allowed him to bridge technical expertise with a strong educational vision.

Since 2006, Dr. Maher has been serving in the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology at An-Najah, where he teaches, innovates, and inspires future generations. He continues to act as an agent of change and development, just as he had once envisioned at the start of his journey.

Today, more than three decades later, Dr. Maher Arafat stands as a living example of the power of education and the lasting impact of targeted support. In this video, he expresses his deepest gratitude to the organization that believed in him and gave him the opportunity to fulfill both his academic goals and his personal vow to give back to his people.

His story is a powerful reminder that scholarships are more than academic aid—they are sparks that ignite change, keys that open doors to hope and responsibility, and proof that keeping a promise is the highest form of gratitude.

My name is Taline, and I am a Strategic Communication major at The Ohio State University, currently working toward my bachelor’s degree. I have always had a strong passion for using media to connect with others, inspire change, and make a real impact. Storytelling and
community engagement are at the center of my work, and I am driven by the power of authentic communication to move people and ideas forward.

I started my internship with Arab Student Aid International (ASAI) in May 2024. From the beginning, I was surrounded by a supportive team that introduced me to the nonprofit world and encouraged me to think beyond traditional communication roles. This experience showed me that working in a mission-driven environment is where I thrive. When I found ASAI, I knew it was the right fit.

At ASAI, I have focused on building my skills in public relations and social media, both of which are tools I plan to carry into my future career. One of the most rewarding parts of my internship has been working directly with students in the LIFT crowdfunding program. I helped them shape their stories to raise funds for their education and built strong relationships along the way. I also led virtual crowdfunding workshops through Microsoft Teams, creating presentations to walk students through the process and guide them on how to strengthen their narratives.

This experience has also been meaningful on a personal level. As a Palestinian American, being surrounded by Arabic speakers helped me reconnect with my culture and improve my language skills in a supportive environment.

Being part of the nonprofit space has been one of the most valuable experiences in my academic journey. It prepared me for my Communication Campaigns course, where I was paired with a nonprofit client. I felt confident applying what I learned at ASAI to help the organization grow its reach, increase engagement, and strengthen its connection with the community. This was more than just a class project; it was an opportunity to make a real impact.

I believe strategic communication is a powerful force for good. I am passionate about helping students overcome financial barriers and using storytelling to amplify voices, build bridges, and spark lasting change. My goal is to continue working in spaces where communication drives action and where stories make a real difference.

I have been a part of Arab Student Aid International (ASAI) since late 2020, early 2021, and my journey with the organization has been nothing short of transformative. I first joined the team as an IT specialist, where I focused on system security, technology development, and resolving technical issues for users across our platforms. Even though I was working remotely from another country, this setup quickly became a strength rather than a limitation. It pushed me to become more adaptable, collaborative, and proactive while also giving me the chance to expand my technical skills in ways I hadn’t previously explored.

As time went on, my role within ASAI began to evolve. I became more involved in broader aspects of application and project development, gaining insight into the operational and strategic sides of nonprofit work. I eventually had the opportunity to support the media department, which added a creative dimension to my experience and allowed me to grow beyond the technical scope of my initial role.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at ASAI has been the opportunity to lead workshops, training sessions, and webinars for students. These experiences not only allowed me to share my knowledge and empower others but also helped me develop confidence in
public speaking and team leadership. Being able to contribute to student success through interactive learning sessions has been both humbling and fulfilling.

What has truly made this experience stand out is the environment at ASAI. The organization fosters a culture of support, growth, and collaboration. I have had the privilege of working alongside a team of dedicated, inspiring individuals who are committed to making a real difference in students’ lives.

Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for how far I have come since joining ASAI. This opportunity has allowed me to strengthen my skills, take on new challenges, and grow both professionally and personally. It has been an enriching chapter in my career, and I am excited to carry forward all that I have learned here.

Reema Mansour, a double major in Computer Science and Business Administration at Bridgewater College, recently completed her internship with Arab Student Aid International (ASAI), describing the experience as both enriching and transformative.

During her time at ASAI, Reema worked closely with a dedicated and inspiring team that played a key role in shaping her internship experience. She credits Mr. Hussam for being a pivotal mentor. “He constantly guided me through challenges, teaching me valuable lessons about project management, decision-making, and leadership,” Reema shares.

Entrusted with significant responsibilities, Reema managed website updates and helped oversee the student applications platform. These tasks pushed her outside of her comfort zone and helped her build confidence in her technical and organizational abilities.

Beyond the technical side, Reema found immense value in the collaborative environment. The applications team was welcoming and supportive, always ready to work together and refine the aid selection process. “Working alongside them gave me deep insight into teamwork, communication, and problem-solving,” she says.

For Reema, her internship at ASAI was more than just a learning opportunity—it was a journey of personal and professional growth that will serve as a strong foundation for her future.

I joined the Arab Student Aid International (ASAI) in 2007 and have had the privilege of working across several areas of the organization. Under the mentorship of the late Dr. Ishaq Yacoub Al-Qutub—ASAI’s founding member and President—I learned what it truly means to build an educated and purposeful society. His guidance shaped not only my role, but my personal mission to support the next generation of Arab leaders.

One of the most impactful parts of my work has been overseeing the Interest-Free Loan program. This initiative has transformed the lives of countless Arab students pursuing higher education. My role goes beyond managing repayments—I stay connected with our graduates to learn from the knowledge and experience they’ve gained. Watching them grow and give back is a deeply rewarding part of this journey.

It’s truly moving to witness the seeds we’ve planted flourish into bright, intellectual minds that go on to inspire and uplift others. As I often reflect, “It has been a privilege to see what we’ve sown grow into intellectual light that shines forward for future generations.”

For me, ASAI’s mission is not just a cause—it’s a legacy. A continuous journey to strengthen and educate the Arab community, one student at a time.

Dr. Faleh Abu Ara, once an ambitious student facing financial hardship in Palestine, is now a symbol of achievement and hope—empowered by the assistance of Arab Student Aid International (ASAI). What could have remained an unreachable dream became a remarkable academic journey made possible through ASAI’s support.

Faleh earned his PhD and now plays a leading role in advancing academic institutions, shaping minds, and inspiring future leaders. His success is more than a personal milestone—it reflects the power of education backed by community support.

What makes Faleh’s story even more powerful is his unwavering commitment to give back. Today, he proudly stands with ASAI—not just as a former recipient, but as a mentor, supporter, and champion of the mission that once uplifted him.

At ASAI, we believe that every student has the potential to make a meaningful impact. Every donation is more than financial assistance, it is an investment in a stronger, educated future.