Sameera Mehboob’s Mission for Gaza
Photo courtesy of Anera
The Gaza Strip has long stood as a symbol of resilience and tragedy in the Middle East. Decades of occupation, recurring military assaults and humanitarian crises have left its population, particularly women and children, in desperate need of aid. The recent escalation of violence has once again thrust Gaza into the international spotlight, prompting people across the globe to step forward in support. Among them is Sameera Mehboob, a clinical psychologist, certified medic, disaster response trainer and advocate for human rights, who has committed herself to humanitarian service in one of the world’s most challenging conflict zones. Mehboob, a mother of two and the founder of Veridian Academy and Veridian Consultants, was preparing to join the Global Sumud Flotilla, a humanitarian initiative aimed at providing aid and raising awareness about the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.
Sameera Mehboob’s engagement with Palestine is deeply personal and lifelong. She recalls that her first introduction to the struggles of Palestinians occurred at the age of 10 through a Tamil language book she received. Reading about the displacement of Palestinian families and the seizure of their lands left a profound impression on her. She reflected on the vulnerability of children losing their homes and possessions, which resonated strongly with her own experiences as a child. Although the internet was not yet accessible, Mehboob relied on books and oral histories to educate herself. Her grandmother, who had Persian roots, would narrate stories about the vibrant culture of Palestine, describing its colourful streets and lights. These accounts, combined with illustrations from Turkish background books, allowed Mehboob to cultivate a vivid understanding of the beauty of the region and the injustice of its occupation.
Her sense of responsibility towards Palestinians intensified over time. From her early readings to recent events on October 7, Mehboob’s determination to contribute in a meaningful way has only grown. She said, “October 7 was out of this world for me. From that day, I have been trying to go to Gaza. I am a medic and my responsibility towards Gaza outweighs my fear for my own safety.”
The initial opportunity arose in August when Mehboob collaborated with the Sri Lankan steering committee and the Global Sumud Flotilla team, chaired by Nuri in Malaysia, to organize protests, demonstrations and a walk in Campbell Park. Following this, she and a small group travelled to Malaysia at their own expense, countering assumptions that they relied on NGO funding. The preparation to join the Gaza Flotilla was fraught with logistical challenges, particularly visa processing, which for Tunisia could take up to 20 days due to the absence of a local embassy. Despite the obstacles, Mehboob remained resolute, using her extensive professional networks, including the Asia Disaster Preparedness Centre, to explore potential avenues to reach Gaza.
Her commitment stems from a profound ethical responsibility. “I feel responsible towards them. Not because of my Muslim background but because I have imagined what it would be like to lose one’s home and family from a young age. I have lived in those shoes in my imagination and now I have the chance to act,” she said.
Mehboob’s role as a medic is central to her motivation. She emphasises the critical importance of preserving life, asserting, “I would definitely do my level best to keep someone alive. What is more important than somebody needing medical help, lying on the ground, just dying?” Her empathy extends to the collective suffering of Palestinians, particularly children and families caught in conflict zones. Mehboob stresses the fundamental principles of human rights, condemning violations such as attacks on schools, hospitals, orphanages and civilians, which she views as indisputable breaches of international law.
Her understanding of the conflict is informed by decades of observation and research. Mehboob has extensively studied Israel and Palestine from the times of Yasser Arafat to the present, scrutinising both Israeli propaganda and the lived experiences of Palestinians. She acknowledges the complexity surrounding Hamas, stating that her condemnation of the organization would be inconsequential from her position as an outsider. “My frame of reference is different from that of a Palestinian who lived through the oppression. Hamas was the elected government of Gaza and understanding why it was formed requires understanding the lived experience of Palestinians.”
Mehboob critically examines the global response to Palestine, noting the dormancy of powerful nations despite clear violations of human rights. She identifies fear of retaliation and self-interest as key reasons for international inaction. Highlighting examples such as the left-leaning stance of the Colombian president and limited interventions from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries, Mehboob contends that geopolitical calculations often overshadow moral imperatives.
Her reflections extend to the broader patterns of oppression worldwide. She actively educates her children about global injustices from Palestine to Congo, Sudan, Syria, the Aboriginal population in Australia and marginaliaed communities in the US. Mehboob’s philosophy is anchored in a universal opposition to colonisation and oppression, emphasising that the unjust seizure of land or subjugation of people was unacceptable, regardless of power dynamics.
Mehboob is bolstered by unwavering family support. Her children understand the urgency and ethical imperatives guiding her actions. When she expressed her desire to join the flotilla in October, her son encouraged her by saying, “You are free to do whatever you think is right. We love you and we have your back.” Her daughter echoed this sentiment, expressing pride in her mother’s commitment to helping those in desperate need.
Mehboob also credits her husband as her strongest support system, noting that without him, she would not be the person she is today. Their partnership built over years allows her to channel her focus and concentration toward achieving her humanitarian goals. Fear, she asserts, is not a deterrent. “I don’t have any fear for my life. If I’m destined to die there, I’m destined to die. If I’m destined to come back, I will come back. Nothing can stop me.”
Mehboob contemplates the legacy she will leave for her children and the broader world. She draws inspiration from her parents who exemplified courage and advocacy for the oppressed. She believes strongly in the responsibility that comes with her education, opportunities, and capacity to stand up for others. “People who have taken different routes for the sake of themselves and others have made significant changes in the world. If the women in the 1800s didn’t fight for voting rights, we would still be behind. No one is doing it? I should be doing it.”
Her philosophy centres on creating a ripple effect: stepping forward not for personal recognition but to inspire others to act. Fear, she insists, is largely a construct of perception and overcoming it enables meaningful action. Her greatest concern is not death itself but leaving life without having attempted to make a positive change. She concludes, “I fear that I die not making a change. That’s the biggest fear.”
Sameera Mehboob’s journey embodies the intersection of personal conviction, professional expertise and ethical responsibility. From a young girl moved by the plight of Palestinians to a clinical psychologist and medic prepared to serve in one of the world’s most perilous regions, her story is a testament to courage, empathy and steadfast commitment. Her mission, underpinned by both intellect and compassion, challenges us to reconsider the nature of responsibility, the meaning of fear and the imperative of action in the face of injustice.
