A mother of three from Gaza faced severe racist harassment after her plea to relocate her family to the UK and fulfill her aspirations was strongly criticized by former Home Secretary and Reform MP Suella Braverman.
Alaa Radwan escaped Gaza with her family in 2024 following the destruction of their home during Israeli bombardment. They sought refuge in Egypt while staying connected with loved ones in war-torn Palestine.
Recently, Alaa received an unconditional offer from Goldsmith’s University to pursue a Master’s degree in Media and Communications. To support her and her family’s journey to the UK, she initiated a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe.
Expressing her excitement, Alaa shared with the Mirror: “This opportunity is a dream come true for me. It’s a fresh start for my family as my goal is to complete my MA and potentially pursue a PhD. This signifies a new chapter for a family that has faced immense loss in Gaza.”
However, after Alaa’s appeal on social media, Suella Braverman reposted her message, suggesting that Alaa should come to the UK alone for her studies, leaving her spouse and three young children behind.
Braverman remarked, “There is no need to relocate with your husband and kids to study Media Studies. Universities should prioritize education over immigration promotion.”
Subsequently, Alaa encountered a barrage of online attacks from right-wing individuals, hurling racist insults her way. Overwhelmed by the negative responses, she deleted her social media account.
Alaa expressed her dismay, stating, “Suella Braverman spearheaded the attack against me, advocating for separating a mother from her three traumatized children under five years old. They are too young to be separated from their mother.”
Despite facing backlash and messages discouraging her from moving to the UK with her family, Alaa clarified that the funds raised through GoFundMe are self-funded. She intends to support her family independently while studying part-time.
With the successful collection of over £40,000, Alaa and her family have secured the means to accept her spot at Goldsmith’s University and proceed with their relocation to the UK. The tuition fees and visa expenses will be covered from the raised funds.
Alaa is optimistic about the future and looks forward to a better life for herself and her family. “This journey marks a fresh start for us,” she shared. “After enduring immense hardships in Gaza, this opportunity signifies hope for a family torn apart by the tragedies of genocide and displacement.”
Support Alaa’s family in their journey to the UK by contributing to her GoFundMe campaign.
