Passion of Learning and Teaching-Dr. Omar Ferwana

This article was published on 09.10.2024.

*Prof. Dr. Orhan Alimoğlu

Palestinian lands are experiencing perhaps the bloodiest, most heartbreaking days of a heavy occupation and deportation process approaching a century, which has now turned into an exact genocide. In addition to the recorded loss of over 40.000 lives in the Gaza Strip, most of whom were children and women, all vital infrastructures such as housing, transportation, water, health and education, which are the infrastructure of a civilized life, have been almost completely destroyed. The ongoing pogroms in the West Bank have made security and sustainability, which are the basis of daily life, impossible. One of the most fundamental policies pursued by the Israeli occupation regime in both Gaza and the West Bank is to target the significant educated human presence of Palestinian society. As a matter of fact, almost all institutional structures that will form the infrastructure of a civilized life and the educated people who are the cornerstones of these structures are being targeted, kidnapped and killed.

Dr. Omar Ferwana was one of these distinguished figures raised by Gaza and Palestine and massacred by Israel. He was a good medical doctor who made remarkable contributions to healthcare and education in Gaza. His life, academic achievements, professional dedication and deep commitment to humanitarian activities left a beautiful mark on both Gaza and the international community. Unfortunately, his life and that of his family were cut short in an Israeli airstrike, leaving a deep sadness and emptiness in the hearts of many who knew and respected him.

Born on February 7, 1956, in the Sabra District of Gaza, Dr. Omar Ferwana was blessed with a passion for learning from an early age. Dr. Ferwana’s family was a Gazan family with roots stretching back centuries. His father, Saleh Ferwana, was a famous Palestinian poet whose works inspired Dr. Ferwana’s sense of cultural identity and commitment to his community. He began his education at the school named after his fellow Gazan Imam Shafi’i, and later continued at the schools of Al-Zaytun and Palestine, where he would become one of his brilliant and prominent students. In 1974, he entered the Cairo University Faculty of Medicine and graduated with honors in 1982. Dr. Ferwana, eager to advance in medicine, obtained a doctorate in physiology from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. He then went to Australia to study andrology and infertility, and upon his return, he became the only specialist in this field in Gaza. This expertise allowed him to make a significant academic contribution to the medical community of Gaza/Palestine, as well as to provide unique and essential medical services to the community.

Dr. Ferwana, who also served as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Islamic University of Gaza, made extensive contributions to healthcare in Gaza. He played a leading role in the establishment of several important medical institutions, including the Patients' Friends Association and the General Services Hospital. His vision and leadership have been instrumental in improving healthcare infrastructure and services in Gaza, ensuring more people have access to quality medical care.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Ferwana was deeply committed to medical education. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine at the Islamic University of Gaza. His work with Dr. Mufid Al-Mukhallati paved the way for the establishment of a comprehensive medical program that has since produced numerous physicians. As Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Ferwana was known for his dedication to students and passion of teaching. This passion left a long-lasting impact on his students’ lives.

In addition to his role as a physician and educator, Dr. Ferwana was also a notable humanitarian and socially responsible figure. He was among the Palestinians who were exiled to Marj al-Zuhur in southern Lebanon in December 1992. Despite the difficult conditions, Dr. Ferwana took charge of the medical committee in the refugee camp. He established a clinic that provided 24/7 medical care, performing surgeries and treating a variety of ailments for both the refugees and the residents. His efforts during this period demonstrated his unwavering commitment to helping others, even in the face of adversity. Dr. Omar Ferwana was not only a dedicated professional, but also a lovely family man. He was married, had children and grandchildren. In 2021, Dr. Ferwana published his own biography, "Biography and Journey", in which he detailed his life experiences, challenges and work. In the book, he gave a comprehensive look at his personal and professional journey, providing insights into the life of a dedicated physician and leader.

A poem by Dr. Omar Ferwana's father, Saleh Ferwana:

‘O Gaza!

When glory calls the companions of the path, you answer,

O capital of the poor,

O conqueror of enemies,

And the port of those who have carried since the Nakba, Luggage that has not worn out,

And on the sidewalks of return,

O Gaza, they stood, 

Time has grown weary, but they have not grown weary,

Or eyes have grown weary of longing,

O owner of protection,

And the pearl of the universe, 

And a spear that never ceases to bleed in the chest of the usurper,

For a dove of love, if it is still,

And if Hattin rises up,

Your destiny is to practice pain,

And to stand in the face of Hulagu proud and virgin,

O daughter of nature,

And history that goes back to ancient times,

Everything will pass away,

And on the ruins of everything, you will remain.’

In 2023, sometime before his assassination, Dr. Ferwana wrote another important book called “Life Scenario – A Scientific Journey Through Humanity and the Universe”. In this book, Dr. Ferwana explores the scientific and philosophical aspects of life and draws attention to the gap between science and faith. He writes: “This book is my attempt to share a scientific journey that reveals the complex relationship between man and the cosmos. Through this book, I hope to bring a sense of wonder and enlightenment to the reader, to explore the mysteries of the sun, the moon, the stars and the depths of human existence. This journey is not just a narrative, but also a search for knowledge and understanding aimed at bridging the gap between science and spirituality." On October 15, 2023, I learned that the former Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the Islamic University of Gaza, Prof. Dr. Omar Ferwana, passed away along with his daughter, family physician Dr. Aya Ferwana, his wife, children and grandchildren in an Israeli attack on their home in Tel al-Hawa in Gaza. We had signed a cooperation agreement with Prof. Dr. Omar Ferwana, a valuable scientist, teacher and a good person who enlightened those around him, on September 3, 2014, in order to further advance medical education in Gaza. He was making great efforts to improve the health system in Gaza.

On October 15, 2023, Dr. Omar Ferwana's life came to a tragic end. An airstrike by Israeli aircraft targeting his home in Tel al-Hawa, Gaza, took the lives of Dr. Ferwana, his daughter Dr. Aya Ferwana, his wife, children and grandchildren. This devastating event not only claimed the life of a dedicated doctor and his family, but also dealt a huge blow to the medical and educational community in Gaza. The loss of Dr. Ferwana and his family has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew and respected him.

Dr. Omar Ferwana's legacy to society is one of excellence, dedication and humanitarianism. His contributions to medical science, education and humanitarian efforts have left an indelible mark on the people of Gaza and Palestine. He is remembered for his tireless work, his compassionate spirit and his profound impact on the lives of so many. The heinous assassination of Dr. Ferwana is a painful reminder that we should all be on constant alert for the ongoing conflict and the loss of innocent lives. Dr. Omar Ferwana’s life and career are marked by his extraordinary achievements and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others. His work in the fields of health and education has had a lasting impact on the society of Gaza and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. In remembering Dr. Ferwana, we extend our condolences to his family, friends and colleagues and hope that his contributions to medicine and humanity will not be forgotten.

I would like to thank Intern Dr. Mohammad Al-Hajjar and Journalist-Author Mustafa Ekici for their contributions.

References:

Instagram @braveheartmedicsofpalestine. 2023. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/p/CzPDOFyCtYt/. Accessed: August 2024.

Instagram: @braveheartmedicsofpalestine. 2024. Available at: https://www.instagram.com/p/C1pEOdgim9p/. Accessed: August 2024.