Healing Amidst Conflict: The Perspective of an Israeli Family Physician During Wartime

ABSTRACT

Family medicine is well-established in Israel and serves as the foundation of the Israeli health care system. On October 7, 2023, Israel experienced a profound shock and trauma when over 1,200 Israelis, including Jews, Christians, and Muslims of all ages, were brutally murdered, tortured, raped, burned alive, or taken hostage by Hamas terrorists from Gaza. This essay provides a contextual view from the vantage point of an Israeli family physician. It touches on the horror of the conflict while proposing that family physicians can stand as beacons of hope, offering healing and solace to all in need.