From refugee to NHS surgeon: 'why compassion matters now more than ever'
We are proud to share a letter from Sala Abdalla, recently published in the Observer, written in response to the growing tide of intolerance towards refugees in the UK.
Sala, now a consultant surgeon at Ealing Hospital, reflects on her arrival in the UK as a ten-year-old child fleeing political persecution in Sudan. Her letter is a deeply personal account, shaped by her own lived experience and her belief in kindness, compassion and inclusion.
With her permission, we present her letter here.
We invite you to read her message in full.
As a former refugee asylum seeker, I am deeply saddened by the current climate of hostility towards refugees, marked by a significant wave of anti-refugee protests across the UK. In 1993, at the age of 10, I arrived in the UK from Sudan as a refugee after my parents fled political persecution, seeking safety in the UK.
My father had spoken out against the injustices of the Sudanese government of the day was imprisoned for his views. When he was released from prison, we knew we could not remain without risk of further retribution. Britain welcomed us. I owe this country an enormous debt of gratitude for giving me what I once hardly dared hope for: access to better education and the chance to build a safer future.
The support I received from the welfare state and the kindness of individuals in my community played a pivotal role in shaping my life, allowing me to become the productive member of society that I am today. I was not just given refuge; I was given hope, encouragement, and the belief that I could make a difference.
Today, as a practicing NHS consultant surgeon, I strive to give back to the society that welcomed me with open arms. I see my work as a testament to the transformative power of compassion and understanding. It is a privilege to care for others, to contribute to the health and well-being of the community, and to be part of a system that values every individual, regardless of their background.
This is the Britain I remember and hold dear to my heart. The Britain that embraced diversity and celebrated the contributions of people from all walks of life. A nation built on the principles of empathy, support, and solidarity, values that have allowed countless individuals, including myself, to thrive despite the challenges we faced. I am disheartened by the narratives that seek to divide us.
Negative attitudes towards refugees are gaining momentum and are fuelled by sensationalist media narratives and farright exploitation of community concerns. Sadly, all too often, I hear leaders in politics use inflammatory language about refugees which fosters anger, resentment, and fear in the public. The rhetoric around 'illegal crossings' has been particularly prominent, especially in the context of small boat crossings in the English Channel.
The growing animosity towards refugees threatens the very fabric of the welcoming society that I cherish. We've seen in history that when societies are under strain, they look for scapegoats, an individual or group to blame for societies' troubles and this has led to unimaginable atrocities. I implore the staunchest campaigner against refugees to remember this; refugees are ordinary people who have taken extraordinary strides for want of a 'normal' life.
They are some of the bravest of all, to cross harsh seas and torrid lands, face hunger and fear all for simple dream of a better life. They are ordinary people, like you, with hopes and dreams, hobbies and pastimes and fears and insecurities.
They are humans who are facing the most inhumane of circumstances. It is crucial that we challenge the negative perceptions and remind ourselves of the fundamental truth: refugees are not a burden; they are an asset to our communities.
They bring unique perspectives, skills, and resilience that enrich our society as a whole. I urge everyone to reflect on their own values and consider the impact of their words and actions. In times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to extend compassion and understanding to those who are vulnerable.
Let us remember the kindness that was shown to us and pay it forward. Together, we can foster a culture of acceptance, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute, just as I was able to.
Let us stand together for a welcoming Britain-a place where kindness triumphs over fear, and where every person, regardless of their journey, is treated with dignity and respect.
- Sala Abdalla
Consultant surgeon
Ealing Hospital