On June 1, 2018, Razan Al Najjar, a 20-year-old woman was shot dead by Israeli soldiers as she and other medics—walking with their hands in the air and dressed in white vests—approached the boundary fence to treat a wounded protester. Razan has become an important symbol of the fearless Palestinian first responders to the lethal force used by Israel against protesters at the Great March of Return.
COVID-19 has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, where more than 50 years of occupation and 13 years of blockade in Gaza have limited people’s ability to meet their own basic needs. Health care systems in both the West Bank and Gaza will be quickly overwhelmed if the virus continues to spread.
Join AFSC and people around the world for our June 1 online day of action to honor the memory of Razan and show our support for health care workers in Palestine. #PalestinianHealthCareHeroes
How to take part
June 1: Day of Action to Honor Palestinian Health Care Workers
- Print out this sign of support (or make your own). Take a photo of yourself holding it.
- Share your photo on our Facebook event page, on Twitter, and on Instagram using the hashtag #PalestinianHealthCareHeroes.
- Click on this link to share the video message from Razan's mother, Sabreen. (Video coming June 1).
- Click on this link to share this graphic honoring Razan and all Palestinian health care workers.
More resources
As we honor health care professionals in this pandemic, we must remember those in Palestine
Despite risks to their lives, denials of medicines and supplies, and other limited resources, these health care workers continue to provide life-saving care throughout Palestine.
"I see my daughter Razan in the eyes of every young Palestinian"
Her absence consumes us, but we are determined to continue her humanitarian work, writes Razan's mother, Sabreen.
An angel for Razan's mother
AFSC's Jennifer Bing writes about raising awareness about Gaza in the U.S. and mobilizing communities to advocate for an end to the blockade.
Take action
Download the sign
Print the sign and take a photo of yourself holding the poster.
Share the photo on our Facebook event page and other social media on June 1 using the hashtag #PalestinianHealthCareHeroes.
Take part in our Day of our Action
RSVP and share your posts to our Facebook Event page.
Protect elders in Palestine from COVID-19
Learn more
Get firsthand accounts from people in Gaza and resources for action.
