Osaid Wada’a: Between Longing and the Call of Duty

Jenin

Amid the alleys of destroyed Jenin refugee camp, Osaid Wada’a, a volunteer with the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) center at Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), work tirelessly along with his fellow volunteers to care for their wounded families and neighbors in the face of the ongoing Israeli assault since late January.

Torn between serving his people and the sorrow of witnessing their suffering, Wada’a moves through the devastation, this street is blocked, this home is destroyed, these neighbors have lost their son, and other neighbors are forced into displacement with an uncertain future.

“I love the EMS center” Wada’a says, recalling dozens of difficult situations he has endured in recent days. Israeli soldiers have detained him for hours and denied him access to the camp preventing him from transporting the injured. Yet, each time, he gathers his strength and continues his work.

“I have been a volunteer at the PRCS EMS center in Jenin for a year and a half,” he shares. “Helping people brings me immense joy. There is nothing more rewarding than offering support and assistance to the residents of the city and the camp.”

He added, “As a son of Jenin refugee camp, I am overwhelmed with a mix of emotions, but above all, I feel immense pride. It is truly an honor to finally reach a besieged family after days of relentless effort and determination, and to rescue an injured child in the alleys of the city. This experience fills me with a profound sense of fulfillment.”

The Great Value of Volunteering

Wada’a emphasized that as volunteers experience a deep sense of fulfillment, knowing they are helping their community, families, neighbors and loved ones in the camp. He noted that it is a great honor to have the opportunity to assist people who face life-threatening dangers multiple times each day.

He added “Every effort made by the PRCS teams, both staff and volunteers, is dedicated to the people. That is why we are here. We witness the impact of our work reflected in the faces of those we help; the elderly, children, the weary faces of women and men.”

Longing for Family

For over twenty days Wada’a has been unable to enter the camp or see his besieged family, an experience shared by many PRCS employees and volunteers working in EMS and disaster response.

Wada’a said, “I have been stationed at the EMS center for over twenty days without returning home,” Wada’a shared.” It’s a mix of emotions, longing for my family and the deep urge to check on their well-being, knowing that the camp has turned into a military outpost, balanced against my duty to remain in the field and help those in need.”

It is worth mentioning that the PRCS teams are making tremendous efforts despite facing severe resource shortages and constant threats to their work in the Jenin camp and city. They struggle with coordination challenges to reach the injured while also striving to support thousands of displaced individuals.