Bereavement Notice

The University of Waterloo is deeply saddened to share the news of the deaths of two students: Dalia Ghazi Ibaid and Sally Ghazi Ibaid. Dalia and Sally were twin sisters who were planning to come to Waterloo to do their PhDs in System Design Engineering. Their lives were taken in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza last Thursday, December 5, 2024. 

Both sisters were recipients of UWaterloo’s prestigious Student Relief Fellowship (SRF). Dalia and Sally were selected based on their outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated research potential. 

Dalia and Sally’s parents sent this note: “We (the family) would like to thank you (the people working on the fellowship) for helping Sally and Dalia. Unlike the last year, in the last few days, the twins were vibrant, bubbly, excited and full of dreams and ambitions. They constantly talked about their PhD study, jokingly calling each other Dr Sally and Dr Dalia, and talking about the things they want to do in Canada. Through your help they saw an end to their and our suffering. You gave them and us hope. Unfortunately, they did not get their opportunity to realize their dreams. Thank you for caring about and helping our daughters.” 

If you need help during this difficult time, please reach out to your community on campus and know that there is support available to you. 

Sally (left) and Dalia (right), courtesy of their family.

Students  
If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk, please contact Counselling Services at Campus Wellness at 519-888-4096. In-person and virtual supports are available.   

These additional supports are also available to everyone in our community:  

• Here 24/7 - 1-844-437-3247 (available for immediate support)  

• Grand River Hospital - 519-749-4300  

• St. Mary's Hospital - 519-744-3311  

• Good2Talk - 1-866-925-5454  

• Talk Suicide Canada – 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645  

• Empower Me - 1-844-741-6389  

• IMPACT (Integrated Mobile Police and Crisis Team)  

• IMPACT is a partnership between the UW Special Constable Service, Counselling Services, and the Canadian Mental Health Association. IMPACT workers provide mental health care in after-hours settings. They are available by contacting the UWSCS at 519-888-4911. IMPACT hours are 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., Thursday to Sunday.  

Faculty and staff  
The Employee and Family Assistance Program is available 24/7 for counselling, coaching, and support. Call 1-800-663-1142 or visit Homeweb.ca for resources.