Dubai doctor saw brave Palestine nurse in action
dubai — A 21-year-old volunteer emergency medical worker, who was recently shot dead as she tried to help a demonstrator in the Gaza Strip, was determined to show the world what Arab women could do. Razan Al Najjar had a strong personality “that stood out”, according to a UAE-based surgeon who worked with her in April last year.
“Razan was a very outspoken and proud woman. She was sure of her role and what she could do to contribute on the ground,” said Dr Marc Sinclair, a Dubai-based paediatric orthopaedic surgeon who founded the Little Wings Foundation charity that treats children in Palestine.
Even injuries during previous protests did not stop her from performing her duties, added the surgeon. He had met her during his visit to Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip to provide medical assistance to children who have musculoskeletal deformities.
Razan was the 119th Palestinian killed since the protests began in March, according to Gaza health officials.
Gaza is in crisis and is calling out for help. Its children are victims of war injuries and ailments, and Dubai is reaching out to the stricken strip of land. People in Dubai often look beyond their comfort zone and want to help as best as they can. Gaza’s children deserve healthcare education and access to opportunity. More importantly, they should live be free, and live a life without fear. The yoke of occupation can be eased through Dubai’s acts of kindness. More such efforts are in order to break Gaza’s blockade and oppression.