israel is really a beacon of democracy and human rights, highlighted not only by the fact that israel accepts a patient from one of her enemies, but also by the fact that israel spends it's capatilistic wealth on the care and well-being of not just citizens but any human being because true democracies are committed to the human rights and needs of every person no matter their ideological slant. once again, israel proves it is morally and fundamentally better than those who place themselves as her enemy.

Really glad we did this but could the Jordanian hospitals deal with this?

Mike, Majdal Shams is a Druze village in the Golan. When the Golan was formally annexed in 1982, Majdal Shams became an Israeli village. This young man was returned home, so that he could be treated by expert Israeli physicians. Had he remained in Syria, he would surely have died. Israel takes care of its own -- Jew, Arab and Druze alike. But, as an aside, it may interest you to learn that Israel has treated Arabs -- including some from countries that would surprise you -- before. The quality of Israeli medicine is well known, and it is much closer than Europe. Israeli hospitals have hosted Jordanians (before the treaty; one of the sons of King Hussein, in fact), Saudis, Egyptians and residents of the Emirates; powerful and important people who would never have survived a flight to Europe. That's why you cannot -- and should not -- believe public diplomacy. Israel has quietly achieved excellent relations with many Arab states, who have learned to appreciate the stabilizing presence of the Jewish state in the Middle East -- not just its medicine and military support (yes; that, too) but also its discretion. Well over a year ago, I suggested that Israel did not need "permission" from the United States to overfly Iraq should Israel decide to launch a military attack against Iran. I suggested that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf emirates would be more than happy to provide an air corridor and refueling services. I recall being ridiculed by some of the more anti-Israel elements who populate this forum. Given what has been revealed by WikiLeaks -- I wonder how many of them are laughing now. The simple fact of the matter is that Israel enjoys surprisingly good relations with many countries in the region that, for various reasons, cannot make such good relations public. Sorry for the digression -- but I did want to make the point that this young Druze is Israeli, and that we take care of our own.

in Syria It is better to help Syria fund purchase of nuclear reactor from N. Korea and the hell with population health and food.

i have colleagues who work for orgs that bring muslims, not just "arabs", from the middle east here for life-saving treatment.

..they live longer than arabs in every arab country in the world. So bad we brought back some civilization around?

My husband is a surgeon, Mike. You aren't telling me anything I haven't already known for years and years.

Why should Israel entrust the care of an Israeli citizen to the rather questionable Jordanian medical system? Have you any idea how many Jordanians seek medical treatment in Israel? We are Jews, Rebecca. We save lives. Only in the most extreme exigent circumstances do we take them. Unfortunately, there have been far too many of those ....

Perhaps you only thought you knew me. I am harsh when harshness is called for. Not otherwise.

Dear Mr's Sarah B. My admiration for Israel and for the Jewish people has increased too much. That transference of a patient from Syria is a little example. As a Christian, I am ashamed because of terrible sins committed against the Hebrew ones by the mine and by other churches. But, over past darknesses, a bright ecumenical future will prevail. Jesus, a Jew, was born today, more than 2000 years ago. His messages of Love and Solidarity have been betrayed, but they are still alive for the true believers. So,take me as a friend. I salute your husband and all your relatives. God bless you. Shalom. Luiz Felipe Haddad.

must make sure that they can not hurt us and our children. Our children must always realize that we must defend ourselves first, only then will we be free. Moshe

Sir-Well well Syria,what happened to the beycot of Israel? well done Israel for your continous contribution fo humanity and see how much the Arab world will benefit from this tiny country wuth the peace success

Druse from the Golan have refused Israeli sitizenship, and only have ID cards. They still hold syrian sitizenship. Contrary from Druse of the Galilee. That is why this guy went to study in Damascus, and not in Haifa or Jerusalem. THIS IS A FACT Israeli PM Beguin anexed the Golan, but most of the druze people living there are syrians. As for the behavior of Israel is fantastic..

Following annexation of the Golan, all its residents became Israeli. They can reject Israeli citizenship, but in the eyes of the State of Israel, they are Israeli, thus entitled to all of the benefits of citizenship.

Thank you. Happy holidays.

How many eighteen year olds do you know who get admitted to dental school in Israel? That's why he went to Syria, sweetie.