Coexistence Through Medicine

August 5, 2008

Nadia was vomiting blood and losing consciouness as they sped through the Jordan Valley Israeli checkpoints with no problem. By the time they arrived at the Israeli Emek Medical Center in Afula, Nadia was unconscious with severe internal and external bleeding. However, after being treated with anti-venom serum and
admitted, she fully recovered.

Emek Medical Center, staffed by both Arab and Israeli doctors, has been called a Hospital of Peace. Its motto is “Coexistence through Medicine.”  Located close to the Palestinian hotbed of Jenin, they have treated many terror victims.

After Nadia’s uncle gave permission to be interviewed by the hospital’s media staff, she and her mother said they were not at all afraid of the Israeli soldiers. “I only felt gratitude and never any fear,” her mother said. When asked, “How do you feel here in an Israeli hospital surrounded by Israeli Jews and Arabs?” she answered, “I do not fear your people. I bless them.” The interviewer then asked, “If I publicly tell your story, are you afraid that the Palestinian Authority will harm you or your daughter?” The courageous answer came, “You saved my daughter’s life. I am not afraid of the Palestinian Authority. All people need to know the truth.”

By Charleeda Sprinkle
Assistant Editor

Photo Credit: Photoby Emek Medical Center

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