Doctor Amin Al-Nawajha, a Gaza native who studied at the University of Brawijaya in Malang, expressed his gratitude for the ceasefire that began on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Amin did not forget the prayers and support from the Indonesian people for Palestine. “Thank you, Indonesia,” Amin said in a written message to Republika in Jakarta on Monday, January 20, 2025. He considers the Indonesian people as fellow Muslim brothers. For over a year and three months, Amin admitted to enduring a difficult life, having to move from one place to another. “You have always been with us, supporting and helping us with your donations to Indonesian organizations working in Gaza or through social media,” Amin expressed his gratitude.
### Amin’s Journey of Gratitude
Having lived and studied in Indonesia for 10 years, Amin shared that the people of Gaza were overjoyed by the ceasefire. He mentioned that the people felt like they had awakened from a terrible nightmare. While some were still afraid and pessimistic, others remained hopeful that the ceasefire would hold. Amin, a doctor who pursued a master’s and doctoral degree in neuroscience at the University of Brawijaya in Malang, was able to complete his studies in Indonesia thanks to a scholarship from the Indonesian Red Cross (BSMI) funded by philanthropic donations from the Indonesian community.
### Rebuilding Lives After the Ceasefire
Living in displacement, Amin expressed his plans to call his family, friends, and neighbors to check on their well-being after the ceasefire. Subsequently, he mentioned that he would go inspect the homes destroyed by the Israeli military. “I used to have a nine-story apartment in Rafah City, which was bombed. We then evacuated to my family’s house (parents) where I grew up. Later, we were forced to evacuate to Khan Younis, Al Mawasi, and even our family home was destroyed,” he recounted.
In the midst of turmoil, Amin’s story highlights the resilience and gratitude he holds towards Indonesia and its people for their unwavering support during challenging times. His journey is a testament to the power of compassion and solidarity in rebuilding hope and lives shattered by conflict.
