In the midst of the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, one man finds himself straddling two worlds. Known as Alya Shabaanovich Gali in Kyiv, Ukraine, he is a respected doctor with a bustling practice. Yet to his family back in the besieged Gaza Strip, he is Alaa Shabaan Abu Ghali, the one who ventured far from home.
Separated by thousands of kilometers, Gali’s life in Ukraine and his family’s struggles in Gaza ran parallel for three decades. However, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 and the subsequent war between Israel and Hamas shifted his world drastically. The violence from both conflicts have tested regional and global alliances, with thousands losing their lives and entire communities devastated.
These wars collided in Gali’s life when tragedy struck close to home. His nephew was killed in Gaza, while a Russian missile demolished the clinic where he worked in Kyiv, leaving colleagues and patients dead. Gali found himself torn between two places, saying, “Half of my heart and mind are here, and the other half is there. You witness the war and destruction with your family in Palestine, and see the war and destruction with your own eyes, here in Ukraine.”
Gali’s journey from Gaza to Kyiv was marked by personal sacrifice and resilience. Leaving behind his family in Gaza at a young age, he pursued his dream of becoming a doctor, eventually settling in Ukraine and starting a new life under a different name. His roots in Gaza, the turmoil of the Palestinian intifada, and the chaos of post-Soviet Ukraine all shaped his path.
As Gali navigates life in Ukraine, the echoes of conflict in Gaza haunt him. Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of family members in Gaza, Gali remains committed to his work as a doctor, even amid the destruction caused by war. The recent attack on his medical center in Ukraine only reinforced the harsh reality of war and its toll on civilians and healthcare professionals.
Standing amidst the ruins of his clinic, Gali expressed the deep pain he feels, emphasizing the harsh reality of war and loss. Despite the overwhelming challenges he faces, he remains determined to stay in Ukraine, knowing that there is no safe place for his family to evacuate to in Gaza. Communication with his loved ones in Gaza is sporadic due to telecommunication disruptions, but he finds solace in their resilience and gratitude amidst the chaos.
Gali’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict and the resilience of individuals facing unimaginable hardships in two war-torn regions. His dual identity and experiences are a testament to the interconnectedness of global crises and the enduring spirit of those caught in the crossfire.
