“A hospital is everyone’s house”, Professor Jihad Bishara, director of the Infectious Diseases Unit, Bellinson Hospital

These are the words of Professor Jihad Bishara in an article published by the newspaper Haaretz, in the Print edition, on May 24, 2021:

More than 30 years ago, at the beginning of my professional path, when I was a junior doctor in Bellinson hospital, I worked “under the supervision” of a senior physician who, in his own words, is on the right-wing side of the political spectrum. For my part, I came with my own opinions and narrative, which were situated on the opposite side of the political map. We had almost daily lively political arguments, but always without tirades or stereotyping, and most importantly while maintaining mutual respect. At the end of our heated arguments, we would go off together to take care of our patients, Jews and Arabs. We were always careful to give each patient the best and most professional care possible. This is how I treated the elderly mother of the same senior physician, just as he in his turn cared for my departed father. The teams of hospital staff, Arabs and Jews, learned to understand that the hospital is a house belonging to all. We are all in the same boat. Jews and Arabs, patients and caregivers. In addition to the human and professional obligations of each of us, we have to live in partnership and mutual respect, for there is no alternative. 

In other words, the path to shared life and coexistence is not to ignore the differences of opinion or to sweep them under the rug, but rather for each of us to listen to the other. To let the other express his opinions freely, in mutual respect, however much they may awaken agreement or indignation in us - on the condition that they avoid racism, incitement or violence.