Chicago, Illinois – A Palestinian American doctor who recently walked out of a meeting with President Biden and other Arab and Muslim leaders explained his decision, stating that he left “out of respect for my community.”
Dr. Thaer Ahmad, an emergency physician from Chicago who had recently been in Gaza, expressed that the meeting at the White House was the first time President Biden heard directly from individuals who had been on the ground in Gaza since October 7. He shared his experiences in Khan Younis and Rafah, emphasizing the impossibility of Israel safely invading the southern Gaza city where over one million Palestinians have sought refuge.
After detailing his experiences, Ahmad asked to be excused from the meeting, citing a need to respect his community’s mourning and desire to be heard amid feelings of exclusion and silence. Before departing, he handed President Biden a letter from an 8-year-old orphan in Rafah, pleading for the prevention of any invasion.
Ahmad voiced a sense of urgency and panic among many individuals regarding the escalating situation in Gaza, particularly the looming threat of a Rafah invasion. He highlighted the connection between President Biden’s actions and the potential to halt the conflict, urging for decisive measures.
While White House officials have sought to mitigate the crisis by encouraging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reconsider plans for a ground operation in Rafah, Ahmad and others believe more can be done. Ahmad acknowledged the presence of other attendees who would continue to impress upon President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris the urgent need for action to address the dire circumstances in Gaza.
Despite expressing disappointment in the lack of attention given to Gaza during the meeting, Ahmad emphasized the importance of his departure as a means of conveying the hurt and pain felt by the Palestinian American community. Looking ahead, he plans to return to Gaza, acknowledging the risks involved but driven by a commitment to stand with those facing immense suffering.
Throughout his advocacy efforts, Ahmad has highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasizing the impact on innocent civilians, families, and healthcare workers. He has called attention to the devastating consequences of an Israeli military invasion in Rafah, underscoring the urgency of international intervention to prevent further tragedy.