Four year-old child's life is saved in enemy territory

May 27, 2013

A Syrian 4 year-old with a life-threatening heart condition arrived in her land's enemy, Israel, for surgery that would end up saving her life. Israel and Syria have been at war for quite some time, but that didn't matter when it came to helping an innocent child.

The surgery was funded by, "Save a Child's Heart," a non profit organization in Israel whose mission is to improve the quality of pediatric cardiac care for children from developing countries who suffer from heart disease and to create centers of competence in these countries.

"She would have definitely died if she wouldn't have arrived here," Ilan Cohen, one of the doctors who treated her, said. "A lot of patients arrive here from enemy countries and view Israelis as demons. They are surprised that we are human without horns on our heads. This is the first time they see Israelis without a uniform and I think it's a good surprise.”

The journey for the mother and daughter was one of great difficulty and danger. They could not enter Israel from Syria. They had to enter Israel from a different country, which can only mean there were plenty of others helping to save the child's life.

Upon arriving, she underwent a 3-hour operation and is now back on her feet, walking throughout the hospital hallways. According to NBC News, "Her mother appeared uncomfortable with media attention because of the perils of being identified and declined to comment." This is why we do not have names or faces in the article.

It is sad that the family will have to keep this life-saving operation a secret, but it is a great feel-good story about compassion. Humans assisting other humans despite their beliefs and backgrounds is something to smile about.

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Full Story: NBC News | Image: Save A Child's Heart