By: Kathy Mueller, Canadian Red Cross
Awni, his wife Tahrer, and their son Yehya are all members of the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s (PRCS) emergency medical response team. They begin each day not knowing whether it will be the last time they wish one another a safe shift.
Since the escalation of hostilities in October 2023, their work has taken them into the heart of the destruction in Gaza, into the remains of what were once vibrant communities.
Awni has been an emergency medical technician for 34 years and currently heads up the PRCS emergency medical service in Khan Younis.
Tahrer has been an emergency medical technician since 2005. She works in central Gaza where she serves as a dispatcher, coordinates ambulance movements, or provides hands-on medical care to people who are injured.
“The workload and the tragedies we witness take a toll on us,” added his father, Awni. “The only time we truly rest and disconnect from the world, even briefly, is when we sleep and give our bodies a moment to recover. But the tragedies repeat every day.”
Like their colleagues, this family risks their lives daily, helping to save lives in Gaza. “Yes, it’s risky and exhausting, but there’s always the drive to serve society and fulfil your role in providing humanitarian services to the community,” said Tahrer. “Sometimes, when I’m on my way home in my Red Crescent uniform, I hear encouraging comments from people like, ‘May God give you strength,’ or ‘May God bless you.’ Hearing such positive feedback is uplifting.”
“I love my work with deep passion, and it has profoundly impacted me,” said Awni. “The work we do as a family is an honour. To my children I send this message: Your father chose to work in humanitarian service because he believed in his mission. If anything happens to me, hold your heads high knowing your father sacrificed for humanitarian work. This will bring you honour.”
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is the leading provider of emergency medical services in the occupied Palestinian territory. Since October 2023, PRCS teams, including Awni, Tahrer and Yehya, have provided emergency medical support to more than 100,000 people.
People wishing to help are encouraged to donate to the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
Awni, his wife Tahrer, and their son Yehya are all members of the Palestine Red Crescent Society’s (PRCS) emergency medical response team. They begin each day not knowing whether it will be the last time they wish one another a safe shift.
Since the escalation of hostilities in October 2023, their work has taken them into the heart of the destruction in Gaza, into the remains of what were once vibrant communities.
Awni has been an emergency medical technician for 34 years and currently heads up the PRCS emergency medical service in Khan Younis.
Tahrer has been an emergency medical technician since 2005. She works in central Gaza where she serves as a dispatcher, coordinates ambulance movements, or provides hands-on medical care to people who are injured.
Inspired by His Father’s Dedication to Humanitarian Services
Watching his father dedicate his life to helping others, Yehya was inspired to follow in his footsteps. He became a PRCS volunteer ten years ago. The suffering he’s witnessed over the past 14 months stays with him. “The scenes of loss are incredibly difficult because, at that moment, you feel as though you are sharing the grief of those who have lost loved ones or the pain of the injured who are suffering,” said Yehya.“The workload and the tragedies we witness take a toll on us,” added his father, Awni. “The only time we truly rest and disconnect from the world, even briefly, is when we sleep and give our bodies a moment to recover. But the tragedies repeat every day.”
Like their colleagues, this family risks their lives daily, helping to save lives in Gaza. “Yes, it’s risky and exhausting, but there’s always the drive to serve society and fulfil your role in providing humanitarian services to the community,” said Tahrer. “Sometimes, when I’m on my way home in my Red Crescent uniform, I hear encouraging comments from people like, ‘May God give you strength,’ or ‘May God bless you.’ Hearing such positive feedback is uplifting.”
Honouring the Work of Humanitarians
Dozens of Palestine Red Crescent Society personnel have been killed since the conflict escalated 14 months ago. Under international humanitarian law, humanitarian workers are protected and must have safe and unhindered access.“I love my work with deep passion, and it has profoundly impacted me,” said Awni. “The work we do as a family is an honour. To my children I send this message: Your father chose to work in humanitarian service because he believed in his mission. If anything happens to me, hold your heads high knowing your father sacrificed for humanitarian work. This will bring you honour.”
The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) is the leading provider of emergency medical services in the occupied Palestinian territory. Since October 2023, PRCS teams, including Awni, Tahrer and Yehya, have provided emergency medical support to more than 100,000 people.
People wishing to help are encouraged to donate to the Middle East Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
