Doa Al Aubra, a 30-year-old teacher from the Bedouin city of Rahat in southern Israel, has been appointed this week deputy head of United Hatzalah’s Rahat branch, becoming the first Muslim woman to hold such a role in the first responder organization.
The primary school teacher began her journey with United Hatzalah in 2022, entering a field where women from her Bedouin community were rarely seen. Despite initial community skepticism toward a hijab-wearing woman serving as a first responder, Al Aubra’s presence has helped bridge cultural gaps in emergency medical care.
“At first, people thought it was strange for a religious woman to volunteer in this way,” Al Aubra explained. “But over time, they realized how important it is, especially when the patient is a woman.”
Her unique presence as a female first responder in Rahat began to change perceptions. Soon, Doa became the person families called when they needed urgent help even before people called emergency services. “Sometimes, a familiar face makes all the difference in a crisis. People feel more comfortable, and that’s what matters,” she says.
The appointment holds particular significance for Al Aubra, who lost her mother in a car accident at age 10. She cited the historically long ambulance response times in her community, sometimes exceeding 20 minutes, as motivation for her involvement in emergency medical services.
“It could take 20 minutes or more for an ambulance to arrive. That’s too long when someone’s life is on the line,” she reflects. “That’s why I believe so strongly in what we do.”
As a primary school teacher, Al Aubra’s medical skills are evident in her daily work. She’s often the first to respond when a student is injured. “It’s a part of who I am now,” she says. “I can’t just ignore someone in need, even if it’s just a scraped knee.”
Beyond her new leadership role, Al Aubra continues to expand her capabilities, currently training as an ambulance driver. She also conducts first aid courses, working to build emergency response capacity within the community.
United Hatzalah’s Rahat branch head, Jaber Abu Jaffar, praised Al Aubra’s appointment. “She’s the most deserving person for the role,” he said. “Her commitment is unmatched.”
