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Nagham Abu Samra spent her life challenging rival athletes and traditional stereotypes in Gaza's society on her way to winning karate championships.
Since childhood, the 24-year-old athlete has been rarely seen without her white uniform and black hijab, having won first and second place in the Palestinian Karate Championships in 2017, and 2019. Today, she lies in the Intensive Care Unit of Al Aqsa Martyr's Hospital in central Gaza's Deir Al Balah, unconscious, with her right leg amputated.
The Israeli strike that hit her family's house in the central Al Nuseirat neighbourhood on December 18 killed her sister and shifted the path of her life's journey. From fighting for glory, she is now fighting for survival.
Outside the hospital in the besieged coastal enclave sit Nagham's two brothers and her father Marwan. They have all been living in their car since the Israeli strike.
“My dad refuses to go anywhere. He refuses to even sleep in the back seat where he will be more comfortable. All he does is sit and wait until he can visit her,” Nagham's brother Mohammad told The National.
As the war continues in the coastal Strip, killing more than 20,600 Palestinians, the family is worried that the next Israeli strike could hit the hospital where Nagham lies.
“We have our hands on our hearts all the time,” Mohammad says, referring to the dangers of staying close to the hospital.
Her father's particular heartbreak over his daughter's fate is because she was the closest and “kindest” to him, the brother explains.
“Their relationship was near perfect.”
Mohammad says Nagham's father's support despite societal pressures against her participation in the male-dominated sport, was a debt that Nagham tried to repay.
“He embraced her and she embraced him.”
Karate kid
Karate shaped Nagham's personality, making her stronger than her peers, although the beginning of her journey was merely a coincidence until she earned her black belt.
There was a training centre near the family home in the northern Gaza city, where she used to see children her age in their uniform. Her dad granted his daughter's wish to take part in classes.
Mohammad says since then, Nagham has loved karate and become passionate about it.
Her love for the sport was so strong, that she decided to pursue a bachelor's and master's degree in Physical Education.
Nagham then opened a gym that offered karate training to girls.
But for now, Nagham remains in a coma, her fate unclear. “Her condition is unstable,” Mohammad said.
The hope is for Nagham to become stable enough in the coming days to be sent through the southern Rafah border crossing into Egypt for transfer to the UAE.
Nagham's mother died of cancer four months ago before the war with Israel began on October 7 following the Hamas attacks on Israel.
The death of all the women in the family has added a complication to the process of taking Nagham abroad.
“After asking around, we've learnt that applications for treatment outside of Gaza are being rejected when the injured person's companion is a male,” explained the brother.
After a long search, the family found a woman who “volunteered” to be Nagham's companion in case she was selected for treatment abroad.
The family is making appeals to governments worldwide to take Nagham for treatment abroad while her father spends his days outside the hospital doors, waiting for his only remaining daughter to open her eyes.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
The specs: Audi e-tron
Price, base: From Dh325,000 (estimate)
Engine: Twin electric motors and 95kWh battery pack
Transmission: Single-speed auto
Power: 408hp
Torque: 664Nm
Range: 400 kilometres
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Top investing tips for UAE residents in 2021
Build an emergency fund: Make sure you have enough cash to cover six months of expenses as a buffer against unexpected problems before you begin investing, advises Steve Cronin, the founder of DeadSimpleSaving.com.
Think long-term: When you invest, you need to have a long-term mindset, so don’t worry about momentary ups and downs in the stock market.
Invest worldwide: Diversify your investments globally, ideally by way of a global stock index fund.
Is your money tied up: Avoid anything where you cannot get your money back in full within a month at any time without any penalty.
Skip past the promises: “If an investment product is offering more than 10 per cent return per year, it is either extremely risky or a scam,” Mr Cronin says.
Choose plans with low fees: Make sure that any funds you buy do not charge more than 1 per cent in fees, Mr Cronin says. “If you invest by yourself, you can easily stay below this figure.” Managed funds and commissionable investments often come with higher fees.
Be sceptical about recommendations: If someone suggests an investment to you, ask if they stand to gain, advises Mr Cronin. “If they are receiving commission, they are unlikely to recommend an investment that’s best for you.”
Get financially independent: Mr Cronin advises UAE residents to pursue financial independence. Start with a Google search and improve your knowledge via expat investing websites or Facebook groups such as SimplyFI.
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The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
Haircare resolutions 2021
From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.
1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'
You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.
2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'
Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.
3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’
Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.
