MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, SURABAYA – Muhammadiyah University (UM) Surabaya graduated its postgraduate student named Sondos Jehad Shnewra from Palestine with cum laude honors.
Sondos Jehad Shnewra graduated on Saturday (25/10). He felt that while studying at UM Surabaya it was not only an educational campus, but also a second home for building family, relatives and friends across countries.
“This campus is not only a place to study, but also a second home for me, a place where I find family, cross-national friendships, and human and Islamic values that live in my daily life,” he said.
Sondos came to Indonesia through the Lazismu East Java scholarship program, which opened the way for him to continue his Masters studies in his dream field.
He said that his parents fully supported the decision to study in Indonesia, because Indonesia is known as a safe country and has always shown solidarity with the struggle of the Palestinian people.
The last two years have not been easy for Sondos. While he was struggling to complete his final assignment in Surabaya, his family had to survive in the midst of the war that continued to rage in Gaza. Even so, he admitted that he always got strength from the prayers of his friends and lecturers on campus.
“I ask for prayers for my family who are still in Palestine. I am grateful that Allah has given me good friends who always pray for me,” he said.
Sondos also expressed his deep gratitude to UMSurabaya and Lazismu for the scholarship opportunities provided. According to him, this assistance not only opens the way to knowledge, but also becomes a symbol of Indonesia’s solidarity and concern for Palestine.
“The scholarship I received is not only about education, but also about hope and brotherhood between nations,” he said.
Sondos hopes that after graduating, he can live a peaceful and peaceful life with good people, and get a useful job.
“I want to make a good name in Indonesia as a Palestinian who has received great opportunities from this nation,” he said.
