Jordanian and Israeli Paramedics Train Side by Side

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) is home to a very special program – the only university-based degree in paramedics in all of the Middle East. Israeli paramedics are internationally renowned for their professionalism and kind heart, volunteering in places ranging from Kenya in the aftermath of devastating terror attacks to earthquake-stricken Turkey and Haiti.

BGU’s cross-cultural program, the Israeli-Jordanian Academic Emergency Medicine Collaboration, in addition to providing a world-class education for Jordanians, is designed to encourage Arab countries to work together with Israel in case of a far-reaching emergency or natural disaster. Following the first two years in Israel, students will work in clinics in both Israel and Jordan, exchanging not only training but cultural sensitivity.

“As partners in this highly important regional humanitarian effort, both Jordanian students and their Israeli colleagues will benefit from this innovative training program, learning together, developing mutual respect and strengthening cross-cultural understanding,” explains Doron Krakow, executive vice president of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

“There are only three places that provide emergency medical response qualifications at the bachelor’s degree level,” explains Dr. Mohammed Al-Hadid, President of the Jordan Red Crescent and former head of the International Red Cross. “Either we go to the United States or we go to Australia, or we choose to go next door to our neighbors. We were very impressed with the level of expertise demonstrated in Israel — and when you see something that is working for others, you want to have the best for your own people.”

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