Since October 2023, Gaza has been a battleground ravaged by crises and leaving countless dead people and injured. The ongoing conflict created an environment where daily survival is uncertain and pursuing educational and professional aspirations seems nearly impossible. Amidst this turmoil, Abeer Ismail, a dedicated public health worker, faced the daunting challenge of continuing her work and education while dealing with personal losses, injuries, and a lack of safety.

Despite immense challenges, Abeer remained determined to advance her career. In February 2024, she was accepted into EMPHNET’s Internship Program “Engage” where she joined the Public Health Emergency Management Center (PHEMC). Motivated by her friend, Dalia El Nahal, Abeer decided to apply. The application process was difficult due to unreliable internet access and the danger of moving between locations in search for a better connection.

During her internship, Abeer exhibited remarkable resilience. She worked on emergency response plans, conducted interviews with pregnant women and people with disabilities, and she contributed to the Emergency Bulletins produced by EMPHNET’s Emergency Management Center (PHEMC). Her commitment to her duties often required her to seek out journalists for internet access or to venture out to other locations in order to stay connected with her mentor, PHEMC’s Director, Dr. Haitham Bashier.

“When I got my acceptance with email from EMPHNET, I was very happy especially that it was an emergency-related internship, and I was living in an emergency,” Abeer shared. “The internship made me busy, and it enabled me to focus more on the future and the change I can make.”

Abeer’s perseverance paid off as she successfully completed her internship, gaining valuable skills and experience in public health emergencies. She completed training modules covering Principles of Public Health Emergency Management and Health Project Management and she played a pivotal role in developing videos that highlighted the public health crises in Gaza. Her work made a significant impact, as it showcased the realities faced by vulnerable populations during the war. Abeer’s dedication did not go unnoticed. Following her internship, she was offered a position with EMPHNET, allowing her to continue her work on the ground. Reflecting on her journey, Abeer said:

“If you’re going through hell, keep going. Never give up, never surrender. This experience gave me a sense of hope and resilience.”

The challenges Abeer faced during her internship were daunting. “Transportation, internet connection, safety—there was no humanitarian area at all back then. Everywhere was not safe. I was scared,” Abeer recalled. The constant threat of violence and bombings made it difficult to conduct fieldwork and attend meetings. Following one of her sessions with her mentor, Abeer was injured by fragments while returning home.

Adding to the physical dangers were the emotional and psychological burdens. “The loss of loved ones and moving from one place to another to seek a safer place caused emotional distress and fear of death. People I used to work with all passed away. No one is left, everyone is gone,” she said.

Throughout her internship, Abeer received support from her team at EMPHNET. “The team was very supportive,” she said. This supportive network played a crucial role in helping Abeer navigate the challenges she faced.

Abeer’s internship was marked by significant efforts and achievements. Alongside the abovementioned efforts, Abeer also collaborated with volunteers on health promotion initiatives. “I felt like I needed to be responsible and to take more action,” she reflected. “The internship experience not only sharpened my technical skills, but it also deepened my understanding of the complexities involved in safeguarding public health during crises.”

Moving forward, Abeer aims to use her experience to assume leadership roles and contribute to the broader public health sector in Gaza. Her journey through the internship has not only fortified her resolve but it also inspired her to advocate for women in leadership positions within her community. Abeer’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and collective action in the face of adversity.

Her next steps involve continuing her work with EMPHNET, focusing on health promotion, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and malnutrition campaigns, while also supporting future interns and young professionals navigating similar challenges.

Looking back, Abeer feels that her decision to complete the internship during the war was the right one. “I don’t know how to say, it was the right decision- I believe so. I’m not a quitter. I think it’s because I really wanted to learn and get experience to benefit myself and others around me,” she said. The experience taught her valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance. “I would like to thank everyone who helped me during this period, especially Dr. Haitham, my team, the internship program and EMPHNET… the environment is very supportive and friendly. If it wasn’t like this, I wouldn’t have completed the internship.” Abeer highlighted that other interns were also supportive, and she enjoyed meeting them in the interns’ biweekly meetings and hearing about the work and sharing what she has been working on. 

Abeer’s journey from an intern amidst war to a valued employee at EMPHNET highlights the extraordinary resilience and dedication of individuals committed to public health, even in the most challenging circumstances. Her story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that with determination, support, and a belief in the power of collective action, it is possible to overcome even the most formidable obstacles.