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In the wake of the October 7 attack by the Hamas terrorist organization and amidst the ongoing conflict, Israeli hospitals have found themselves faced with an overwhelming surge of casualties, stretching their resources and manpower to the limit. In a remarkable display of solidarity and compassion, dozens of emergency medicine specialists from around the world answered the call for assistance, leaving behind their comfortable lives and families to rush to the aid of Israeli hospitals, YNet News reports.
Responding with humanity
The scale of the tragedy on October 7 sent shockwaves not only across Israel but reverberated globally, eliciting a profound response from the international medical community. Doctors and medical professionals, motivated by a sense of duty and humanity, volunteered to lend their expertise and support to Israeli hospitals grappling with the influx of critically injured patients.
“These are people with extensive experience and a wide range of skills who can each have a significant impact. We all feel that we need to be in Israel to support our brothers and sisters during this difficult time,” Dr. Ari Greenwald, an emergency medicine specialist from Toronto, Canada, shared with YNet, adding, “The amazing thing about Israelis is their mental toughness and fortitude. This is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you’ve seen how Israeli doctors will do everything they can to get the job done - even if they have to work twice as hard with half of their staff. They won’t complain, they won’t ask for help, and they’ll continue to work with pride and a tremendous sense of responsibility to the people they serve. But on the other hand, the price they pay over time may be burnout.”
The decision of the doctors to volunteer in the midst of a conflict zone speaks volumes about their unwavering commitment to saving lives and alleviating suffering, regardless of the challenges they may face. It is a testament to the universal values of compassion and solidarity that transcend borders and boundaries.
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Integrating into local healthcare
Upon their arrival in Israel, these foreign medical professionals integrated seamlessly into hospital teams and local emergency care efforts, working tirelessly alongside their Israeli counterparts to triage patients, perform life-saving procedures, and provide compassionate care to those affected by the violence.
“People in Israel have asked me, ‘Why would you leave everything and come here?’ My answer is that it’s a privilege to be here. All of us who are fortunate enough to come help feel that we are getting so much more out of being here than we are giving. We are ready and willing to be of service in any way - we can work evening and night shifts, supervise and teach residents, run simulation and training sessions, really anything that’s necessary in the emergency department,” Dr. Greenwald said.
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The national emergency medical, ambulance, and blood bank services of Israel collectively known as Magen David Adom (MDA), or "Red Shield of David" was pushed to its absolute limit on October 7 and in the weeks that followed. According to The Jerusalem Post, more than 170 medical experts from the US and other nations have joined its ranks in a volunteer capacity since the war began in order to offer emergency care in Israel.
“They shared stories with me. It’s amazing the way life goes on even though we’re at war. Both sides [MDA and the volunteers] are getting something out of it. It validates the idea that we’re all in this together,” New York Cardiologist, Dr. Josh Shatzkes, who recently volunteered for several weeks with MDA, told the Jerusalem Post.
The presence of international doctors in Israel not only provided much-needed relief to the overstretched healthcare system but also served as a powerful symbol of unity and solidarity in the face of adversity. Despite coming from different backgrounds and cultures, these doctors worked together as one cohesive team, driven by a common purpose: to save lives and heal wounds. Their selfless actions remind us of the importance of standing together in times of crisis, offering support and assistance to our fellow human beings regardless of nationality or religion.
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