The Horrors of War
As I stood amidst the chaos, the scenes before me were almost too horrific to comprehend. Dismembered bodies, severed limbs, and exploded heads – it was a nightmare come to life. The sights were so gruesome that one of the paramedics with us couldn’t bear it any longer. He turned to me, his face pale, and said, “I need to vomit. I can’t handle what I’m seeing.”
A Divided Nation, United by Tragedy
While this devastating war raged on the northern and southern fronts, there were heroes who chose to enter the battlefield, risking their lives to save others, regardless of race or religion. On the morning of October 7th, around 7 AM, a friend called me and said, “There’s an incident happening.” I wasn’t at work in Israel, but he told me to turn on the news. As soon as I did, I saw that a major event was unfolding. I immediately called our supervisor and asked if they needed assistance. Without hesitation, they said, “Yes, can you come and take an intensive care ambulance?”
A Journey into the Unknown
Within moments, we found ourselves on an unfamiliar road, heading towards the areas of Ofakim, Orim, and Tslim. Fear gripped us as reports came in of armed militants in the region. We didn’t know where they might strike from – a regular car, hidden among the trees. There was no way to tell friend from foe, and the lack of security made even the Arab neighborhoods feel unsafe, even for us paramedics. As we made our way through the open terrain, with no shelter in sight, all we could do was put our faith in Allah and hope for the best. Every turn filled us with dread, as we asked ourselves, “Are there militants on this street? Is it safe to proceed?”
A Unified Effort to Heal
Despite the chaos, Arabs across the country played a vital role in tending to the wounds of October 7th. Whether as paramedics, nurses, doctors, or volunteers, they put aside differences of identity, race, and religion to save lives. Yet, the aftermath of war is often more devastating than the conflict itself. I remember one patient who requested an ambulance. When he saw my name, he asked, “Are you Arab?” I replied, “Yes, but there’s a Jewish team behind us. Let us start treating you, and then you can decide what to do.” Even in those tense moments, we had to find a way to bridge the divide and provide care.
A Lasting Impact
This war didn’t discriminate between Arab or Jew, and its repercussions may create a deep rift in our society that won’t be easily mended. Everyone, without exception, paid a heavy price. The Bedouin community in the south was particularly affected, but we all suffered losses. Look around – Arab teams are everywhere in Israel, in hospitals, police forces, emergency services, and the military. Israel cannot function without the presence and contributions of Arab citizens, for we are all part of the same nation.
A Haunting Memory
As first responders, we were the initial witnesses to these events, and we will be among the last to forget the aftermath. The images are seared into our minds – the two children killed by a rocket, their bodies dismembered beyond recognition. The haunting scenes will never leave us. In moments like these, we don’t consider ourselves heroes. This is our profession, our job, our life. We do what must be done, regardless of the personal cost. So, as I reflect on those harrowing days, I’m reminded that even in the darkest of times, humanity can shine through. Arabs and Jews united in their efforts to save lives, proving that compassion knows no boundaries. And while the scars of war may never fully heal, the resilience of our people gives me hope for a better future.
