LEO Newsletter

Eleven years ago, as I was establishing the Leonard Education Organization (LE.O), I received a message on Facebook from a young woman in Gaza. She was studying medicine at Cairo University and wrote to ask if LE.O. could help support her education. At the time, our program was just being launched and had a very […]

When we began this program more than a decade ago, we understood that our students would face obstacles. Over the years, we adapted to conditions shaped by occupation, displacement, and recurring instability. We navigated travel restrictions, shifting border regulations, rising tuition, and unpredictable living costs. Hazard related fees, unreliable transportation, and complex visa requirements became

For years, one of our LE·O students has been quietly doing the work. Behind the scenes, he’s helped us with operations, systems, and day-to-day support. He showed up consistently. He offered his skills freely. He benefited from and believed in the mission and gave his time without ever asking for anything in return. Like many

We simply cannot close this year without sharing this extraordinary story. This week, two members of the LE.O community—still living in Gaza—became doctors. In the midst of devastation, we must pause to honor and celebrate them. From the very beginning, the odds were stacked against them. A young woman and a young man born to

As we close our tenth year at LE.O, we reflect with gratitude on how far we have come, and how urgently our work is needed today. What began with four student volunteers has expanded to nine, allowing us to support an ever-growing number of young people whose educational journeys have been disrupted by conflict and

I’ve just returned from 2½ weeks in Egypt, where the purpose of my travel was to check in with our ever-growing Gazan student community. Every trip reminds me how remarkable our students are. They navigate travel, transfers, and settling into new environments with a level of composure that continues to amaze me. Even as a

Almost two weeks ago, we came together to pay tribute to ten years of the Leonard Education Organization (LE.O). Board members, host families, students, donors, and potential supporters gathered together to share an evening of connection. The event was designed as an opportunity for guests to hear directly from LE.O community, to learn about their journeys,

What makes LE.O unique is our lasting connection with our alumni. We continue to follow their successes long after graduation, offering guidance, support, and encouragement as they grow into leaders committed to serving their communities. A report from Dia: When a city is silenced by war, the question becomes: who dares to speak life back

This year marks 10 years of LE.O, and to commemorate this milestone, we thought it was the perfect time to launch a brand-new website—our third to date! Over the past few months, members of the LE.O community came together weekly to design a site that’s more modern, engaging, and user-friendly. We’re also excited to share

Extraordinary Resolve! Reflecting on 2024, one truth stands undeniable: the students we work with at LE.O are extraordinary. Over the years, we have tried to share with you their lived reality – a daily battle against crushing poverty, restricted movement, and a maze of identification requirements and travel regulations. Our students face a stark landscape: