Gaza doctor a proud Hong Kong story
- Au Yiu-kai’s volunteer work brings medical treatment and care, as well as hope to the war-torn area while shining a spotlight on the humanitarian crisis
The raging conflict in the Middle East seemingly remains something remote to the city. But the crisis has been brought closer to our attention thanks to the shining story of a Hong Kong doctor who has just returned from the war-torn zone.
His selfless volunteer work is not just a proud Hong Kong story. It shines a spotlight on the humanitarian crisis there, which is sadly fading from the global agenda.
Unlike many others who were fleeing from Gaza, 65-year-old Au Yiu-kai ventured into its southern region as part of a Red Cross relief mission at the height of the Israel-Hamas armed conflict. What set him further apart from other relief workers is that this was his eighth time working in a war zone.
Au also has seen many more tours in global emergency medical operations in troubled areas since 2002.
The retired doctor sees offering a helping hand in times of crises as his mission. During his six-week stint, he slept in the corridor of a hospital dormitory and heard explosions in the middle of the night.
He treated numerous patients with severe burns and witnessed many more episodes involving grief-stricken victims and torn families. He also observed first-hand the acute shortages and delays in supplies of essential relief aid – an experience he described as the most overwhelming in his lifetime of volunteering.
Hongkongers are known for their generosity. The resilience, compassion and selflessness of unsung heroes like Au working on the ground will hopefully further inspire and drive humanitarian efforts.
These volunteers were there to provide not just timely medical treatment and care, but also love, security and hope.
The intensified armed conflict in Israel and the Gaza Strip since early October last year has resulted in nearly 28,000 deaths. At least 75 per cent of the people in Gaza have been forced to leave their homes.
Hong Kong doctor recalls horror, inspiring scenes of working at Gaza hospital
These are not just cold numbers. They are real people with suffering that many of us cannot even imagine.
Au said he was not just there to help, but also to bring home the message that the city could continue to be an international centre to extend its caring about global society. This is indeed a real Hong Kong story of which we can be proud.
It is also a sombre reminder that more peace efforts are needed to end the Middle East crisis.
