Jewish and Muslim MDA paramedics pray together in inspiring photo
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Jewish and Muslim MDA paramedics pray together in inspiring photo

The photo, taken by a colleague, struck a cord with many online users, and drew wide media coverage

Avraham Mintz and Zoher Abu Jama praying together
Avraham Mintz and Zoher Abu Jama praying together

Jewish and Muslim paramedics for Israel’s emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA) were pictured praying together in an inspiring shot.

The photo, taken by a colleague, resonated with many online users and drew wide media coverage.

“MDA is proud of the work of our employees and volunteers and we are overjoyed that this powerful image has inspired people all over the world during this difficult time,” the emergency service said in a tweet this week about the picture of Avraham Mintz, 42, and Zoher Abu Jama, 39.

The pair had returned from a call in southern Israel, when one knelt down facing Mecca and the other, wrapped in his prayer shawl, turned towards Jerusalem.

Speaking to CNN on Thursday, Mintz said: “The fact that it is so simple makes it so powerful. I believe that Zoher and I and most of the world understand that we have to raise our heads and pray. That’s all that’s left.”

His colleague Abu Jama told the outlet: “In terms of belief and personality we believe in the same things and we have something in common …I believe he is a person that gives and takes the feeling of honour and that is important.”

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