Yafa Hweil: “I will Not Stand Idly By.”

Jenin

“When you have the knowledge and ability to help, you cannot simply stand by” with these words Yafa Hweil a volunteer at the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in Jenin began her speech, recounting her story and the challenges she and her colleagues face while providing humanitarian services to those in need, especially amid the ongoing Israeli invasion of the city and its refugee camp.

Hweil began her voluntary work a year ago after earning her First Responder certificate. She says, “we are here in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) center, but our work extends far beyond treating the injured. We provide any humanitarian assistance possible; we distribute food and medicine and assist in evacuating families.

The Last Invasion

Since the beginning of the latest invasion, Hweil and her team have seen their responsibilities multiply. She explains: “We use ambulances to transport the injured and provide them with first aid. We also assist in delivering humanitarian aid to families in the refugee camp and the city of Jenin in general.”

However, this noble humanitarian mission is not without significant challenges, Hweil recounts, “First, the Israeli army that is stationed at entrances of the hospitals searches our ambulances. We are inspected upon both entry and exit, and sometimes, they confiscate the IDs of the EMTs. Not long ago, a volunteer was assaulted, beaten and subjected to verbal abuse.

The Heart Attack Patient

Hweil adds “The destruction of roads hinders our ability to reach emergency cases. One time, we were delayed in reaching a patient suspected of having a heart attack. We were supposed to arrive within ten minutes, but it took us 20 to 30 minutes. When we finally reached the hospital, we were stopped for another 15 minutes. All of this affects the patient’s life.

She points out that she and her fellow volunteers face difficulties in reaching those in need inside the camp. Some residents remain in their homes despite evacuation efforts. “We enter the camp only after prior coordination, but this process can take hours or even days and may be rejected at the end. In some cases, we receive approval to enter, only to be turned back once we arrive."

Despite these challenges, she affirms that she and her colleagues remain committed to their humanitarian work. She concludes: "This is the least we can do. We are working together for righteousness and piety. These are our people, our community. This is a humanitarian duty, and God has chosen us to serve these people. All Praise is due to God."