Life in war zone inspires teen
A trainee nurse who survived living in the war-torn Gaza strip wants to return and carry out humanitarian work there.
Reham Abu Habid’s family moved from war-ravaged Palestine to New Zealand before she was born in the 1980s but have returned numerous times to where her father worked as a neurosurgeon with the Red Cross.
The 19-year-old, who now lives in New Plymouth, said despite witnessing the horrors of war firsthand, she wants to work in conflict zones in the future.
‘‘When a missile hits you hear a whistle and then the ground starts shaking, like a huge earthquake, you don’t know what is going to happen, are you next,’’ Habid said. ‘‘It’s a terrible, terrible feeling. It was like a horror movie but it was real.’’
Habid, who joined the New Plymouth Red Cross community relief team 12 months ago, said seeing the organisation in action when she was young inspired her to join and strive to make a difference. ‘‘The Red Cross had a huge influence on me, showing me that there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
‘‘I thought I would never grow and be where I am now, it’s just amazing.’’
Habid said she would be starting her bachelor in nursing at Witt this year so in the future she could be deployed where relief was needed.
She believes she could be the one to provide inspiration and hope to another young person growing up amongst the horror of war.
‘‘I look back and look at where I was, where I am now, and I could be that person who helped me out when I was little to some other people.
‘‘We are all the same and everyone needs help in those situations because I was there and I understand.’’
Habid said there was a sense of pride when she wore her Red Cross uniform and would encourage others to join.
‘‘It’s really encouraging and it makes you feel proud of yourself.’’
Taranaki Red Cross humanitarian services co-ordinator Shirley Birt said it was great to have Habid in the organisation, which was always looking for new members.
‘‘She would be an inspiration to any young person who wanted to join,’’ Birt said.
Anyone interested in joining the Red Cross could contact Birt at the New Plymouth offices.