Magen David Adom honors Druze paramedic on National Paramedic Day

Magen David Adom (MDA) celebrated Israel's National Paramedic Day by honoring Ghadir Saleh, a 20-year-old Druze paramedic whose journey from aspiring violinist to emergency responder has distinguished her within the organization.

Saleh, hailing from the northern Druze city of Maghar, volunteers with MDA's Mobile Intensive Care Units after completing her paramedic training as part of her National Service. Her path took a significant turn from a dedicated pursuit of music, where she played the violin from age nine and represented Israel internationally. She even taught violin to at-risk youth and children with autism spectrum disorder.

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I've been playing since I was nine years old. I represented Israel on several international delegations around the world, and I never imagined I would pursue anything other than music.

"I've been playing since I was nine years old. I represented Israel on several international delegations around the world, and I never imagined I would pursue anything other than music," Saleh stated. However, a doctor's advice to reduce strain on her hands and a serious accident at age 16 profoundly influenced her career change.

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When I was injured in the accident, the people around me didn't know how to help. They didn't even know they should call 101, MDA's emergency hotline.

"When I was injured in the accident, the people around me didn't know how to help. They didn't even know they should call 101, MDA's emergency hotline," she recalled. This experience, coupled with extensive recovery, solidified her conviction about the importance of knowing how to act in emergencies. She subsequently enrolled in MDA's intensive paramedic course, describing it as a challenging yet professionally and personally developing experience.

Now serving on mobile intensive care units across Israel, Saleh feels strong encouragement from her family and the Druze community. "I want to help people and save lives. The Druze community is known for being traditional, but in the end, it doesn't matter what religion I am or what religion my patient is. It's about one person helping another," she said. While she still plays the violin, Saleh finds a new and profound sense of purpose in emergency medicine, viewing helping others and serving her country as her greatest source of fulfillment.

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I want to help people and save lives. The Druze community is known for being traditional, but in the end, it doesn't matter what religion I am or what religion my patient is. It's about one person helping another.