Palestinian Doctor Bridging Divides in Israel
- Lina Qasem Hassan, a family medicine physician and chair of Physicians for Human rights Israel (P.H.R.I.), volunteered at a Dead Sea resort-turned-shelter for evacuees from kibbutz Be’eri.
- Qasem Hassan's background as a Palestinian citizen of Israel complicated her response. The recent conflict intensified existing tensions, notably after her sister-in-law's brother, a paramedic in Gaza, was...
- After Qasem Hassan shared a photo of herself volunteering with P.H.R.I., a colleague responded with hostility toward Palestinians.
Dr. Lina Qasem Hassan, an Israeli Arab physician, embodies resilience, providing critical medical aid to those displaced by the Hamas attack and embodying the spirit of unity in a time of conflict.Witness how this Palestinian doctor, with a passion for human rights, navigated the treacherous waters of scrutiny and discrimination. Navigating the complexities of identity and the ongoing war, Dr. Hassan’s story illuminates the critical role Arab medical professionals play within Israel’s healthcare system. Despite facing criticism for her views, she perseveres, striving to bridge divides. Delve into the challenges she faced and the impact she has made. Stay informed with News Directory 3 as we explore her continued work.Discover what’s next.
Israeli Arab Physician Navigates Challenges of Identity, War and Medicine
Updated june 09, 2025
Following the October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, Dr. Lina Qasem Hassan, a family medicine physician and chair of Physicians for Human rights Israel (P.H.R.I.), volunteered at a Dead Sea resort-turned-shelter for evacuees from kibbutz Be’eri. Qasem Hassan provided medical care to those displaced by the attacks, an experience that tested her emotional limits.
Qasem Hassan’s background as a Palestinian citizen of Israel complicated her response. The recent conflict intensified existing tensions, notably after her sister-in-law’s brother, a paramedic in Gaza, was killed in an Israeli strike. Despite the personal connection to Palestinian suffering, qasem Hassan maintained that “you can’t divide human pain,” offering aid to all victims of the conflict.
Her commitment to human rights sparked controversy. After Qasem Hassan shared a photo of herself volunteering with P.H.R.I., a colleague responded with hostility toward Palestinians. This incident foreshadowed a broader crackdown in israel, where dozens of Palestinian citizens faced accusations of inciting terrorism based on social media activity. Qasem Hassan, who had previously shared her political opinions online, ceased doing so and avoided discussing the war at work.
Despite the pressure, she continued her leadership role at P.H.R.I. In February 2024, Qasem Hassan appeared on Israeli television to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, asserting that Israel had intentionally targeted hospitals, a violation of international law. Her statements drew criticism, and three patients filed a complaint with her employer, Clalit, accusing her of supporting Hamas.
Despite these challenges, Arab medical professionals are vital to Israel’s healthcare system. In 2023, Arabs represented a meaningful percentage of the country’s doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. While some voices have expressed concern over this trend, others emphasize the importance of coexistence and collaboration within the medical community. Thabet Abu Rass,a political geographer,noted the government’s investment in scholarships for Palestinian students pursuing higher education,reflecting a complex and sometimes contradictory reality.
“You can’t divide human pain. Whether you are Israeli or Palestinian, it’s the same pain.”
What’s next
Qasem Hassan continues her work, navigating the complexities of providing medical care and advocating for human rights in a deeply divided society. The future will likely bring continued scrutiny and challenges as she seeks to bridge divides and uphold her commitment to treating all patients with compassion and respect.