CPTnet
29 June 2007
HEBRON REFLECTION: Real heroes don't walk away
by Mary Yoder
Recently, the staff at Al-Ihsan Charitable Society invited CPT to visit
their facility, a rehabilitation center for mentally disabled children and
adults in Hebron. Founded in 1983, Al-Ihsan has withstood two Intifadas and
all the evils associated with them: curfews, roadblocks, money shortages,
and much more. Today Al-Ihsan employs seventy staff, houses 120 patients,
and treats twenty outpatients.
As we walked from room to room, children looked at us
strangers--internationals with red hats. Some waved their hands, and made
mouth movements and guttural sounds. They all were severely handicapped.
I saw a little girl in a coma. She did not move. Her eyes only fluttered.
A nurse fed her, talked to her, and held her. We talked with her
caregivers, but then we walked away. I wondered what it would be like to be
trapped in a body and mind that does not function as those of other members
of this society--to not have the ability to walk away.
Often we see people trapped by the Separation Wall, roadblocks, and
checkpoints, unable to go to work, shop, or visit relatives. I've seen
adolescent boys wait for hours at the checkpoints close to our apartment. I
saw one boy beaten and sent to jail. He was released, but I know others who
are still in prison. Some have psychological problems, while others have
scarring or physical injuries. At some level, however, they hope to walk
away, to forget, and leave it behind.
As our tour continued, we talked with occupational therapists, social
workers helping the families, and to the doctors and nurses. We saw the
speech/language department, dental clinic, medical lab, medical pool and
jacuzzi for water therapy. (I wanted to jump in.) We saw plans for a
special school that will further educate these patients.
The heroes in this place are the dedicated staff and volunteers. Day after
day, they care for the most vulnerable people in Hebron, and in human
society. They do not walk away.
We thanked the folks for their generosity. Then we had to walk away and
monitor another checkpoint.
To visit Al-Ihsan on-line, go to www.al-ihsan.org
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