Managing the horror
The Gaza War ceasefire has dramatically worsened life for my colleagues on the West Bank. During the war, traveling between cities grew much more complicated with new checkpoints, sudden road closures, and even ambulance searches.
Now travel is impossible. All cities are closed. New iron gates have been installed—124—I am told, some inside cities. School is virtual. My northern West Bank colleague no longer drives to the Family Medicine teaching clinic at the University in Nablus from Tulkarem. “It is too dangerous and very scary,” she wrote me on WhatsApp. Her children do virtual school with a babysitter while she tries to focus on her academic work. She is finishing a virtual Masters of Education at Dundee. Now, colleagues who live in Nablus run the family medicine clinic.
In the south, my colleague tells me “the tanks haven’t moved in yet.” But “they shoot at anyone.” (They being Israeli soldiers.) When I messaged my prayers and thoughts, via WhatsApp, to her team of students that I am mentoring on a project about the impact of the war on dialysis patients, they wrote back: “Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and prayers! We truly appreciate it. Things have been tough, but we’re staying strong and hopeful.”
There is very little about the West Bank situation in the US or European media. Palestine news sources say homes are destroyed in the 60+ year old refuge camp constructions. Water and sewage lines are disrupted. Settlers attack and push nearby Palestinian villagers out of their homes. It is especially horrible around Jenin which is perceived as a hotbed of “terrorist” activities. This is not exactly true. The perceived terrorists are trying to pursue a better life for themselves and their families who lost everything when they were relocated with no reconciliation in 1948, the NAKBA, to Palestinians. Unfortunately, their government, the corrupt Palestinian Authority, has enriched themselves and done little for West Bank citizens. In other words, the militants are the 20–40-year-olds who are seeking a different future. The UN office for the coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: OCHA reports the uptick in Casualties, Property Damage and Displacement.
What can I do? Acknowledge the pain and suffering of my West Bank colleagues, check in with them. I also pray. This is when belief in something greater is helpful. Some power and inner fortitude that helps me find the strength to be present to the bad as well as the good. The willingness to remain hopeful. I take action when I can.
It is a complicated world right now and especially horrific on many fronts, in many continents. Here in the US, we have our own horror show. I am seeking the sweet spot a friend described in her annual valentine letter: staying informed and staying sane.
At the moment I am working on the curriculum for my premed class on Health and Healing Through the Lens of Culture. We are nearly half way through the 14-week semester. I try to give hope to the next generation of health care clinicians.
And this week I am also watching the green sprouts of my crocuses and snow drops push up through the melting snow and soil in my garden.
May you also find your path forward.