Fifteen-year-old Palestinian student Tala Mohammed Awad, a survivor of Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, has won a gold medal in the second phase of the Mathematics Olympiad for Public Schools in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, known as OMASP 2026.

Tala secured the top honor after excelling in the statewide public school competition, marking a major academic achievement for a student who arrived in Brazil after enduring displacement and the devastating impact of the war on Gaza.

Since arriving in Brazil, Tala has quickly learned Portuguese and adapted to a new school system and community. Her academic success highlights both her resilience and her commitment to education despite the severe challenges she has faced.

According to posts circulated in Portuguese, Tala won gold in “Fase II” of the competition, the stage linked to municipal classification. The result places her among the students qualified to compete in the upcoming state-level phase.

OMASP is one of São Paulo state’s notable educational competitions, designed to encourage public school students to develop their mathematics skills and strengthen academic excellence across the public education system.

Tala’s achievement has drawn attention not only because of her performance in mathematics, but also because of the circumstances behind her journey. After surviving the Gaza genocide, relocating to Brazil, learning a new language, and integrating into a new academic environment, she has emerged as one of the standout students in the competition.

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Speaking to MEMO, Tala said the achievement was an emotional moment that reflected months of effort, study, and family support. “I was very happy, and........

© Middle East Monitor