Dr. Ali Abu Sharkh was the first medical professional on the scene of the fatal shooting attack on erev Shabbos 25 Sivan near Otniel. Dr. Sharkh, a resident of Dahariya in the Hebron area, sent a message to the grieving family explaining that despite the great pain, he wishes to inform them he did everything he could at the scene.

Dr. Sharkh was passing the site of the shooting attack with his family, heading to Jerusalem for Friday afternoon prayers on Har Habayis. He saw the Mark family vehicle turned over on the side and stopped to assist. He explains that another Arab man was there trying to assist as well.

He tells how he began speaking to the wounded children in English, realizing they did not understand him. His brother than spoke to them in Hebrew, telling them not to be afraid that he is a doctor trying to assist. Moments later IDF soldiers arrived on the scene.

He explains that he realized Mrs. Chava Mark, who was seriously wounded, had a partially obstructed airway which he was able to improve by releasing her seatbelt. He got her out of the car and began working on her. He saw a PA (Palestinian Authority) Red Crescent ambulance pulling in, turning to IDF soldiers and shouting in English to get Israeli ambulances. He briefed the first paramedic unit that arrived on the scene, adding his actions saved Mrs. Mark.

It is also explained that since he approached the vehicle from the other side, he did not see the bullet holes and he though the entire incident was a vehicular accident, not a shooting attack.

Dr. Sharkh explains that he also checked the driver, Miki Mark, realizing he was in cardiac arrest. He simultaneously tried to calm the children in the rear.

A paramedic advised Dr. Sharkh to leave the area as forces and people arrived, fearing “a hostile reaction” Ynet reports. The doctor explains he did what every doctor is trained to do and he does not view himself a hero. He adds his community did not criticize him for treating “settlers”, actually praising him for doing what a doctor should do.

Yiscah, who is married to Shlomi Mark, one of the sons, used Facebook to get her message out following the levaya. She explained not all Palestinians are terrorists, telling the public the first person on the scene to assist was a Palestinian.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)