‘Israel Killed My Sister’

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a personal note written by the Editor of The Palestine Chronicle Dr Ramzi Baroud on the assassination of his sister in Khan Yunis on 9 October, 2024. Dr Soma Baroud follows the more than 42,000 innocent civilians killed in this Israeli genicide of Gaza.

Early this evening, Israel killed, or more accurately assassinated, my sister Dr. Soma Baroud, by bombing her taxi in the Khan Yunis area, killing her and six other innocent people.

She was the kindest soul, a great mother and a most loving sister.

She was a member of a generation of female doctors that revolutionized medicine in the Strip.

She healed many people, never charged the poor and until the last day of her life remained principled, loving, kind and patient, even when Israel blew up her house a few weeks ago.

I don’t know what else to say, aside from the fact that I suddenly feel as if a child who became orphaned all over again.

She was a leader of our family, and fulfilled the role of our mother who died at a young age.

I am sorry, sister, that I could do nothing to protect you.

I feel deep shame that I live in the very country that paid for and made the bombs that killed you.

When the numbness is gone, I will try to stay strong only driven by the hope that we will meet again in Paradise.