In a bustling clinic by the Mediterranean coast, Lebanese eye doctor Elias Fares Jarade found healing and friendship in an unexpected place: a mobile ward run by China’s peacekeeping medical contingent in Lebanon.
When Jarade developed a stubborn migraine that resisted conventional treatments, a Chinese medic suggested trying acupuncture. Although he was skeptical at first, the targeted needles eased his pain within minutes. Beyond physical relief, the session sparked conversations that bridged language and cultural gaps.
Serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Chinese medical teams have spent years bringing care to local communities and international staff. Their approach combines traditional Chinese medicine with modern clinical practices, offering fresh perspectives on healing in resource-limited settings.
"I expected basic first aid," Jarade recalls. "Instead, I met a skilled physician who spoke just enough Arabic to guide me through each acupuncture point. We laughed over translation quirks and shared stories about our families." This bond led to video calls, recipe exchanges, and plans to meet again once the pandemic eased.
Their friendship is more than a personal story; it illustrates how global peacekeeping missions can foster genuine human connections. In an era of complex geopolitics, Jarade’s experience reminds us that empathy and cooperation often emerge where assistance meets curiosity.
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and travelers alike, such encounters highlight the power of cross-cultural exchange. Whether through medicine, technology, or travel, friendships formed in the field can transcend borders—and reshape our view of what peacekeeping truly means.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
