Medical Emergency in the Middle East

This letter was published in the Danbury News-Times, September 11, 2008.

Medical Emergency in the Middle East

Virtually every article about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict generates an argument or hostility between people on different sides of the issue.

Larry Rich, director of development and public relations at the Emek Medical Center in Afula, Israel, told of a recent event that no one would argue about, and may offer a glimmer of hope that peace is indeed possible.

On Aug. 22, a five-year-old Arab boy by the name of Hassan Shagadi from the Palestinian village of Kfar Adja was playing with his 10-year-old brother when they were both stung by a large poisonous scorpion.

They were rushed to Jenin Hospital where anti-serum was administered to both, but Hassan's condition quickly deteriorated and his lungs began to fail. Hassan was near death. A frantic call was made to the liaison officer on the Israeli side who coordinates medical emergencies.

The unconscious boy was quickly transferred to an Israeli ambulance, and rushed to Emek Medical Center. In the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Hassan was connected to a life-support ventilator and administered critical medications.

Dr. Yossi Merzel, head of the PICU, said that Hassan was taken off the respirator after five days, was breathing on his own, and would be discharged the following week. Hassan's first words were asking about the condition of his brother, who was now released from Jenin Hospital.

Kassam, the father, could not say enough about the medical treatment his son was given, and the dignity that he himself was accorded by the hospital staff. He said, "When I stood next to the bed and saw the Jewish hands working to save my son -- I understood in that moment that this is the essence of life. We are neighbors and we can live together."

Lew Siegel
Ridgefield