As humanists who are committed to healing and the relief of suffering, it has been painful to witness the violence unleashed several days ago in Israel, and the ongoing toll in lost lives, disability and psychological trauma in the region. We have built strong professional connections with the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery community in Israel, and several members and alumni of our Department are directly impacted. We hope for their safety and the rapid de-escalation of the conflict.
May we continue to exemplify and defend the principle expressed by President Vincent Price as he addressed the recent rise in anti-Semitism: “…as with discrimination and hatred of all kinds, {it} must be rejected and countered by an abiding embrace of our common humanity”.
The unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in the Middle East demands acknowledgement of the cost in terms of both Israeli and Palestinian lives. The strength of our diversity depends on mutual empathy and compassion, and “..the embrace of our common humanity”. Let’s support our colleagues with connections to the region at this time of great pain.
If you feel these events are impacting your daily work, please remember that there is a free confidential professional service available to help you.
Howard
Howard W. Francis, MD, MBA, FACS
Richard Hall Chaney, Sr. Distinguished Professor of Otolaryngology
Chair, Department of Head and Neck Surgery
& Communication Sciences
Chief of Medical Staff, Duke University Hospital