Suffolk University welcomed activist and physician Alice Rothchild on February 18 for a vital discussion on the health and human rights crisis in Gaza. Rothchild has dedicated years to shedding light on Palestinian stories, particularly amid devastating events resulting from the 15-month conflict, which has claimed over 61,000 lives and caused around 111,000 injuries, according to Al Jazeera. With a ceasefire deal underway, it aims to release 33 Israeli hostages while nearly 2,000 Palestinians incarcerated in Israel will gain freedom.
The event commenced with Rothchild’s lecture that traced the fraught history between Israel and Palestine, addressing ongoing assaults and ethnic cleansings in the region. Following the lecture, a Q&A session allowed Rothchild to impart her experiences and express critical social justice concerns affecting communities both in the Middle East and the Western world. “The crux of the problem is that the status quo can only continue if we as human beings see Jews as more human…” – Rothchild.
Rothchild, equipped with knowledge of healthcare inequalities, explored Gaza’s dire healthcare landscape. She highlighted instances of institutional racism and questioned whether Jewish Israeli clinicians regard their Palestinian counterparts as equals. Referencing a troubling statistic, she noted how in November 2023, a hundred doctors endorsed the bombing of hospitals in Gaza, illustrating her points on systemic injustice.
She painted a vivid picture of medical apartheid—two distinct systems yielding inequitable healthcare access for Palestinians. Rothchild emphasised that true health extends beyond clinical care; it includes safe housing, education, nutrition, and freedom from violence. In Gaza, obstetric pamphlets meant for expectant mothers instruct on managing labour while stuck at border checkpoints instead of promoting prenatal health.
Rothchild’s journey into activism began as a medical student amidst the Vietnam War, where visuals of protests ignited her political consciousness. She stated, “We had a responsibility as US citizens to protest government policies that were unacceptable…” Her advocacy seeks to unveil truths and offer a platform for Palestinians to narrate their struggles and histories directly.
Professor Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber, the event’s moderator, acknowledged the complexities within Jewish culture regarding Israel’s portrayal and its repercussions on oppressed groups. She remarked on the disconnect in discussions that tend to prioritise Jewish victimhood, stating, “It doesn’t have to be a competition.” Rothchild’s insights echoed this sentiment as she harkened back to 75 years since the Palestinian mass displacement, warning against the danger of dismissing historical trauma.
Turning to contemporary narratives, Rothchild condemned President Trump’s proposed actions to “clean out” Gaza, labelling them absurd. She stressed that the majority of Gaza’s inhabitants are refugees, insisting, “the message from almost all Palestinians is that they will not leave.” The plight of the Gazan people remains alarming as they grapple with dire conditions while facing barriers to resources and care.
During the event, she emphasised the importance of media representation, underscoring that objectivity is non-existent in reporting. Rothchild stated, “Nothing is unbiased… Our job is to figure out what our biases are and say upfront, these are my biases, now let’s talk.” She lamented how Palestinian tragedies often lack the personal narratives that Israeli incidents receive, intensifying the humanitarian chasm.
In previous visits to Gaza, Rothchild encountered resilient youth who shared their dreams and showcased the region’s beauty despite overwhelming suffering. Their desire for human acknowledgment resonated deeply as they aimed to convey agency beyond victimhood. As thousands of Palestinians returned to Northern Gaza after prolonged displacement, Rothchild relayed their profound yearning for home, which often overshadowed their safety.
Though new battles arise, she concluded the event by reminding everyone of the ongoing plight in Gaza, underlining the collective responsibility to advocate for those voiceless. Inspired by a poem from the We Are Not Numbers initiative, the sentiments echoed deep despair while igniting the urgency for action. Finally, Rothchild expressed ambivalence towards hope yet asserted the importance of continuous advocacy: “you can’t stop protesting… because then you just give it up and you just write people off that should not be written off.”
Alice Rothchild held a significant talk at Suffolk University about the Gaza crisis, revealing the depth of human rights violations and healthcare inequities faced by Palestinians. Rothchild, with her extensive experience, called attention to the systemic racism ingrained in health services and the need for a broader understanding of the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The event encouraged ongoing advocacy and highlighted the importance of amplifying Palestinian voices.
Alice Rothchild’s lecture shed light on the dire health and human rights crisis in Gaza, emphasising the urgent need for equity and justice. Her insights into systemic racism and healthcare disparities painted a stark picture of Palestinian realities amidst the ongoing conflict. The call for ongoing advocacy resonates deeply, as it underlines the responsibility to acknowledge suffering and foster hope in the pursuit of social justice.
Original Source: thesuffolkjournal.com
