Watch: Dr Swee Ang gives keynote address on her work with Palestinian refugees

Dr Swee Ang ICN/JS

Dr Swee Ang, Catholic orthopaedic surgeon, author and founder of Medical Aid for Palestinians, gave a keynote address on Tuesday at the Palestine Museum in Connecticut, USA. Her address was also watched online by supporters around the world and can be seen in the recording below.

Dr Ang has spent the last 42 years pursuing humanitarian work in the Middle East.

Originally a supporter of Israel, she wasn't aware Palestinian refugees existed and believed all Palestinians were terrorists. In 1982 the British media broadcast the relentless bombing of Beirut by Israeli planes. Shocked, her view of Israel began to change. It was then that she heard of an international appeal for an orthopaedic surgeon to treat war victims in Beirut. She resigned her job in London and set out on a journey to civil war Beirut.

Two years later with her husband and friends, she formed Medical Aid for Palestinians, a charitable organisation providing medical aid to Palestinians under occupation and in exile. Often undergoing serious hardship and witnessing terrible atrocities, her efforts have made a massive difference to thousands of Palestinian refugees.

In this wide-ranging talk she speaks about her work and her concerns for Palestinians in occupied Palestine and Lebanon.

Dr Ang says: "I have seen Palestinians continue to rise above every tragedy. What we must do is to continue to support and stand in solidarity with them. They are a nation of builders and rebuilders. May we as friends draw inspiration from them and continue to journey with them and not be afraid and fainthearted.

"The dead will be buried and find peace. The wounds will heal. The strength will return. The young will grow up and lead the struggle. It is not over until justice is restored, not over until tyranny is defeated, not over until Palestine is free and all can live in security and dignity."

Watch her speech here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OezOp41HEnw