He has lived in the capital of Lower Silesia for more than 15 years. As he says, he is enslaved to the love of Poland and he does not want to change Wroclaw for any other Polish city. The eighth guest of our cycle “Foreigners in Wroclaw” is Nafez Breik.
“I arrived in Poland in 1998, which means that I spend the most part of my adult life here. I obtained a degree in Polish philology in Łódź, then I moved to Wroclaw, where I graduated from the Medical University and completed a specialisation course in ophthalmology. At the moment, apart from working in the 4th Military Hospital in Wroclaw, I also run my own medical practice together with other colleagues. It is the Centre of Eye Microsurgery located in Oława”, tells Nafez Breik.
Loyal to Poland and Wroclaw
Born and raised in Palestine, he was granted Polish citizenship a few years ago and feels an integral part of our society. When he talks about his participation in scientific conferences held abroad, he clearly specifies his identity: “At that time, I belong to the official delegation and I represent Poland, so I introduce myself as a Pole. Of course, when my typically Southern appearance encourages my interlocutors to ask more personal questions, I tell them about my roots,” explains Nafez.
The Wroclaw that he remembers from his first visit several years ago was not the same Wroclaw that we see today. The level of investments from abroad was very limited, and the accession of Poland to the EU turned out to be a breakthrough in this context. Nafez adds: "Although I was completely seduced by Wroclaw already at that time, the current charm of renovated buildings and restored old tenement houses combined with the thorough redevelopment of selected areas, not only the Old Town, evidently reflects the scope of changes that make this city more and more beautiful. I am extremely loyal to Wroclaw," says my interlocutor with a smile.
Impressed by the personality of John Paul II
During our conversation, Nafez stressed that he owes much to Poland. He had worked in India, and he had also been an aid worker in Africa. “Only there did I see how people really suffer; Africa suffers from a shortage of basic medicines, and famine and robberies are commonplace. On the other hand, I know very well that the current Poland and its gigantic progress are the result of efforts of countless Poles who have sacrificed their lives for the nation, from the partitioning of Poland until the quite recent struggle for independence. I have worked and have always stood in defence of Poland, particularly because this country gives us many examples and role models to follow. Apart from religious matters, I have always been hugely impressed by the power of John Paul II and his outstanding determination to fulfil his mission for the Polish nation. He was never afraid to say no, and we should all make use of this attitude to a smaller or larger extent in order to look ahead more often and focus on the development of Poland. Because of the political situation of the region from which I come, I attach high importance to stability and peace. If a given place has these two advantages, it should achieve regular growth. After all, there are many more positive things happening in Poland, not to mention Wroclaw!”, tells Nafez.
Foreigners in Wroclaw, unite!
Nafez loves Wroclaw’s Old Town; as a typical Southerner, he particularly appreciates a cup of coffee in the garden of a restaurant, during which he likes watching other people. He does not resign from this moment of rest even on his way from one job to another.
“Many Palestinians in Poland are doctors; having obtained a scholarship, they usually studied medicine. Once, when I was on duty at the ophthalmology ward, there were my two Palestinian colleagues in the emergency department and other at the orthopaedics ward. We laughed that Palestinians were in charge of the whole hospital, and the Polish personnel from emergency services joked that the patient should be carried to Hamas! I know that it is a sensitive issue - the conflict between Israel and Palestine is still unresolved, and everybody strives for peace and mutual respect. I'm also happy that more and more Poles visit the Holy Land and share their experiences with me," says Nafez.
Once he took part in the Christmas Eve of Many Nations in Wroclaw; it was a feast attended by foreigners from various corners of the world, including their specific dishes, customs and dresses. There should be more initiatives like this in Wroclaw, as they emphasise the multicultural character of our city and, at the same time, build an atmosphere of openness and tolerance.
Marcello Murgia
