The passing of Dr. Hadi Badran… The doctor who chose Gaza despite cancer
The Palestinian medical community, along with members of the Palestinian diaspora in the UK and Europe, has been deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Hadi Badran, a Palestinian anaesthetist, following a long battle with cancer. Despite his advanced illness, Dr Badran remained committed to his humanitarian and professional mission until his final days. He volunteered to travel to Gaza during the most recent Israeli assault, where he helped treat the wounded and injured.
Dr Badran was mourned by the Palestinian Forum in Britain and the Palestinian Doctors’ Association in Europe, both of which honoured his revolutionary and academic contributions, describing him as a shining example of dedication and selflessness.
In a statement, the Palestinian Forum said:
“We knew him as a generous brother, a noble doctor, and a man whose kindness knew no bounds – whether through his knowledge, time, wealth, or spirit. He was always eager to support the Forum’s work and the Palestinian cause. One of his final acts was attending our Ramadan Iftar and making a generous donation to Gaza, despite the pain and suffering he was enduring.”
The Palestinian Doctors’ Association in Europe described him as:
“A doctor who truly embodied the meaning of sacrifice – choosing to stand alongside his people in their most difficult moments, even as his own body waged its final battle with cancer.”
Who Was Dr Hadi Badran?
Dr Hadi Badran was a Palestinian born in Lebanon to a family that saw education as the Palestinian people’s strongest weapon against displacement and oppression. He pursued his medical studies in the UK, specialising in anaesthesia, and worked tirelessly to serve his community wherever he lived.
In a moving episode of Arab Podcast, Dr Badran spoke of his father’s unfulfilled dream of becoming a doctor – a dream he proudly realised on his father’s behalf. He passionately believed that education was a declaration of Palestinian existence in the world, and that belief inspired him to volunteer in Gaza, even as cancer overtook his body.
He shared that his family, especially his wife and siblings, had tried to dissuade him from travelling – but he was determined to go. He was touched when his son said, “I want to go with you to Gaza,” a moment that brought him peace and profound paternal pride.
Gaza – As Dr Badran Told It
During his time in Gaza, Dr Badran was deeply moved by the people’s dignity, pride, and generosity in the face of relentless war and suffering. He recounted unforgettable encounters, including with a woman named Umm Iyad, who refused to give chocolate to children unless they had memorised verses from the Qur’an. She told him, “I don’t want Palestinian children to grow up begging.”
Dr Badran said he did not sleep during his time in Gaza – not because he couldn’t, but because he didn’t want to. Despite his exhaustion and illness, he was energised by the spiritual strength and purpose he felt while volunteering.
“I cannot fully describe what I saw,” he said. “But if I had to, I would call it: the legend of Gaza.”
Farewell to a Doctor of Humanity
With the loss of Dr Hadi Badran, both Palestine and Europe have lost a pillar of medical and humanitarian service. Yet his message endures, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations.
We pray that Allah accepts him among the righteous, places his knowledge and compassion in the scales of his good deeds, and grants his family and loved ones patience and peace.
Funeral arrangements for the late Dr. Hadi Badran
The family of the late Dr Hadi Badran has announced that the funeral prayer (janazah) will be held, God willing, at the following location:
Palmers Green Mosque
30 Oakthorpe Road, London N13 5JL, United Kingdom
They hope the prayer will take place after Asr on Saturday, 24 May 2025, pending completion of official procedures. The final time will be confirmed in due course, Insha’Allah.
We ask Allah to enfold Dr Badran in His infinite mercy, make his grave a garden from the gardens of Paradise, and bring comfort and patience to all who mourn him.
May Allah have mercy on him. Indeed, to Allah we belong, and to Him we shall return.
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I m very saddened by the passing of of Dr Badran whom I worked with in St John and Elizabeth Hospital Theatres,very humble professional and hard working.May God Bless his soul,comfort and strengthen his family