It all began with an opinion piece. In February, I wrote an article for Al Jazeera – a tribute to the doctors in Gaza who were killed or kidnapped by Israel, whose legacy I am hoping to maintain as I go through medical school myself. To my surprise, the piece went viral.

Suddenly, my Instagram inbox was filled with friend requests and messages from people across the world — strangers who wrote to tell me how deeply they were touched, how they stood with me, how they were praying for my safety and future.

Among those messages was one from Dr. Alison Kinning, a vascular surgeon from the United States. I accepted her request and read her words: “A powerfully written piece. I wish you success and safety in your lifetime.”

Dr. Alison Kinning with the author in the courtyard of the Europe

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