Since its founding in 1988, the Association of Israeli-Palestinian Physicians for Human Rights brought together Israeli and Palestinian health professionals. Following the signing of the Oslo agreement in 1993, a new set of players—aside from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and human rights groups—came into action between 1993 and 1997, focusing their activities on developing and providing health services to the Palestinian people.
In 1995, following an invitation of the late King Hussein of Jordan to officials at the Canada International Scientific Exchange Program (CISEPO), several actions were carried out to foster collaboration between Arab and Israeli doctors. The high incidence of hearing loss shared by Jordanians and Israelis was the basis of a project to provide auditory tests and improve hearing among infants.
Since then, there have been many scholarly exchanges between Canada, Israel and Jordan, many Israeli-Palestinian publications were created, and several scientific symposiums have been carried out. To date, more than 145,000 infants have been screened and treated for hearing loss and their hearing has considerably improved. In addition, the program has expanded to youth health promotion, maternal nutrition, and management of infectious diseases.
Health is the best antidote to war.
In December of 2004, the first issue of the magazine “Bridges” was launched under the auspices of the World Health Organization (WHO). The magazine has contributions from both Israeli and Palestinian health experts, and is another example of the value of building bridges of understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.
Under the leadership of Dr. Mary-Claire King, who identified the first breast cancer gene, scientists from Tel Aviv, Bethlehem and Seattle teamed up to find the cause of deafness, and have found several genes responsible for hearing loss. They were able to do that despite the obstacles posed by the shutting down of university facilities, blocked shipments, and other inconveniences.
Those are just a few examples of what, up to now, is a very active collaboration between Palestinian and Israeli doctors and health workers. Despite their obvious value, these activities are not universally supported. In 2005, medical and health service providers and members of research and training institutions working in the Occupied Palestinian Territory strongly objected to what they consider is strong pressure to enter into Palestinian-Israeli cooperation in the health area.
According to them, a political agenda is the driving force in the forced cooperation between Israelis and Palestinians. In addition, they don’t think that Israeli-Palestinian collaboration in the academic, scientific, and professional spheres can truly contribute to reconciliation as long as justice for Palestinians has not been achieved.
Although there is some validity to their position, peace will not be achieved overnight. It is only through some incremental steps that reconciliation between both peoples will take place. As former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin stated when awarding a UNESCO peace prize, “Peace will be built slowly, day by day, through modest deeds and countless spontaneous details. It will be built, step by step, by people.”
There is no better way to do it than through collaboration in the public health area on issues of common interest. The better health of thousands of women, men, and children is a living testimony of the effectiveness of such approach. In a region plagued by lack of confidence and trust, health is the best antidote to war.
Dr. César Chelala is an international public health consultant and a co-winner of an Overseas Press Club of America award.
