Ibrahim Hudhayfa al-Kahlout, son of the late Abu Obaida, former spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades (the military wing of Hamas), has offered a poignant account of academic excellence amidst wartime hardship. He spoke of his father’s guiding principles, which instilled in him patience, a thirst for knowledge, and steadfastness.
In an interview, al-Kahlout stated that completing his secondary education was no ordinary achievement, given his family’s experiences with displacement, loss, and stringent security restrictions. He emphasized that continuing his education under such circumstances was a daily challenge.
He explained that achieving a 94% grade did not fully reflect his academic aspirations, noting that he had consistently achieved higher grades in previous years. However, he views this result as a testament to patience and divine favor under exceptional circumstances.
Al-Kahlout added that the martyrdom of his parents and siblings left a profound psychological impact. He asserted that their absence made this pivotal moment in his life feel incomplete, as they had been the strongest supporters of his educational journey.
The deeper motivation for pursuing education, he explained, stems from fulfilling the wishes of his parents, who were keen for him to excel and to view knowledge as a responsibility and a mission, not merely a personal pursuit. He recalled the advice of his martyred father, who urged him to remain connected to knowledge even during times of war, emphasizing the importance of reciting and reflecting on the Quran, and expanding his general knowledge and religious understanding.
He pointed out that his father did not equate excellence with mere numbers but with diligence and effort. His father always stressed that one should do their best and leave the results to God’s discretion, which instilled in him a sense of reliance on God without complacency.
Ibrahim reflected on his father’s character at home, describing him as humble and close to his children, raising them through example before guidance, and instilling in them values and steadfastness before demanding achievement.
Speaking about the symbolism of bearing the name “Abu Obaida,” he said he feels pride and honor, but that this is intertwined with the pain of loss. He believes this symbolism amplifies his sense of responsibility towards himself and his generation. He affirmed that excellence, in the context of Gaza, is not merely about personal advancement, but about serving the community.
