RAZAN AL NAJJAR (1997 - 2018)
THE ANGEL OF MERCY
“We want to send our message to the world: I’m an army to myself, and the sword to my army. We have one goal, and that’s to rescue and evacuate, and to send a message to the world, that we — without weapons — we can do anything.”
Al Najjar told the New York Times in 2018
Razan Al Najjar was born and raised in Khan Yunis, Gaza, where her family has lived as refugees since the Nakba. In her 20 years of life, Al Najjar lived through three of Israel’s deadly wars on Gaza. Vibrant, hopeful, generous, and tenacious, she dreamed of being a doctor.
Unfortunately, the Israeli blockade left her family unable to finance her aspirations, so she instead took courses in nursing. Al Najjar often worked 13-hour shifts, while providing pro bono medical services to the sick and injured whenever possible. She dismissed societal criticism of her work, responding that: "women are often judged, but society has to accept us. If they don't want to accept us by choice, they will be forced to accept us. Because we have more strength than any man." [1]
When Gaza’s Great March of Return protests started in 2018, Al Najjar sold her jewelry and cell phone to buy medical supplies. She was the first woman to volunteer as a medic, treating demonstrators injured by Israeli soldiers, despite suffering injuries herself.
During a protest on June 1, 2018, an Israeli army sniper shot and killed Al Najjar as she carried out her medical duties. Even after her death, she continues to inspire bravery and strength of spirit, including in her own mother, who has since taken up the torch as a paramedic for the ongoing Great March of Return.
Ancestors of Palestinian Liberation is a collaboration of Anemoia Projects and Palestine Advocacy Project
Learn more about Razan Al Najjar:
The New York Times- The Palestinian Medic Killed by Israeli solidiers (2 minutes)
A New York Times video on the Great March of Return including a brief interview with Razan before her death.
American Friends Service Committee - Remembering Razan Al Najjar
Razan’s mother reflects on her life, her work and her spirit.
New York Times- An Israeli Soldier Killed a Medic in Gaza. We Investigated the Fatal Shot (17 minutes)
A New York Times video covering the details and investigation of Razan’s death.
The Guardian- Mother of shot Gaza medic: ‘She thought the white coat would protect her'
Razan’s life, work, and death put in the context of the Great March of Return.