The 'Doctor of the Poor'... Passed Away in the Karak Attack, but His Name Remains Among the People
Khaled Al-Hilasa, a Jordanian dentist nicknamed the 'Doctor of the Poor,' was killed in an armed attack on a church in Karak.
Translated by Qiyas from القبس — Original source
Jordan bid farewell to dentist Khaled Al-Halsa, one of the victims of the terrorist attack that targeted a church in the village of Hamoud in the Karak Governorate, leaving nine dead and more than 30 injured. In Karak, Al-Halsa was more than just a dentist; locals knew him by the nickname “the doctor of the poor,” as he dedicated part of his practice to helping those in need and providing free medical treatment. His relationship with the residents of his hometown transcended his profession, leaving a deep impression on all who knew him or received assistance from his hands.
His death came as a shock to the community, particularly among his patients, who recalled his humanitarian stance and his commitment to helping ordinary people. His passing left behind a grieving family, friends, and patients who cherish unforgettable memories. Al-Halsa was among the victims of the armed attack that targeted an Orthodox Greek church in Hamoud village, where several attendees were participating in a funeral procession before the scene turned into a tragedy, resulting in multiple casualties, including doctors, academics, and prominent social figures.
Among the accounts of loss, his son Omar spoke about his father, recalling his dedication to treating patients and his insistence on returning to his hometown to follow up on their conditions, even during his vacations. Omar expressed his shock upon seeing his father shot in the head, asking, “Is this how they repay kindness?” Despite the pain of loss, Omar emphasized that the attackers “represent only themselves,” affirming that his hometown had never witnessed such incidents. He called for the arrest of those responsible and the imposition of the harshest penalties.
On social media, mourners highlighted Al-Halsa’s interactions with his patients and his closeness to ordinary people, as eulogies poured in reflecting his esteemed status within his community. Between his son’s testimony and his patients’ memories, the legacy of Khaled Al-Halsa remains vivid in Karak—a doctor who chose to make his profession a means of aiding the needy, thereby earning the title that accompanied him throughout his life and endured after his death: “the doctor of the poor.”
