The Journey of Anat Mastor: From Iran to Medical Advocacy

Anat Mastor's experiences are deeply rooted in the historical context of the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which transformed Iran from a secular society into an Islamic Republic. This shift led to the systemic persecution of religious minorities, particularly Jews, and imposed strict regulations on personal freedoms. Mastor, who was only 11 years old at the time, faced significant discrimination, including mandatory dress codes and the cancellation of English classes, which ultimately influenced her decision to leave Iran.

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In late December, protests erupted across Iran, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with the country's economic conditions. The Iranian government responded with a severe crackdown, resulting in thousands of deaths and imprisonments. The regime characterized these protests as "foreign-backed riots," echoing the fears and memories of individuals like Mastor, who see parallels between the current violence and the oppressive environment of their youth.

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Mastor's journey to escape Iran was fraught with danger and desperation. After completing high school, she realized that her future as a Jewish woman in Iran was bleak, prompting her to leave her family behind. She undertook a perilous journey from Tehran to Karachi, Pakistan, relying on smugglers to navigate the mountainous borders. “It was very dangerous, but I was desperate,” she recalled, emphasizing the hopelessness she felt while in Iran.

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After months of waiting for a visa in Karachi, Mastor finally arrived in Israel in 1987, where she was reunited with her brother. She quickly adapted to her new life, enrolling in a medical biotechnology course at the Afeka Academic College of Engineering and later working as a perfusionist at various medical centers. Her career took a significant turn when she joined Save a Child’s Heart, an organization dedicated to providing cardiac care to children in need.

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Through her work with Save a Child’s Heart, Mastor has played a crucial role in treating over 8,000 children from 75 countries, utilizing her skills to operate heart-lung machines during surgeries. She has also made significant contributions to the global medical community by mentoring aspiring perfusionists in Africa, including Sophia Mlanzi Josephat Lukonge in Tanzania and Tigist Tesfaye Hailemariam in Ethiopia. Mastor's commitment to her profession is underscored by her statement, “There is no greater satisfaction than seeing a child leave the operating room healthy.”

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Despite her success, Mastor remains acutely aware of the ongoing struggles faced by those still in Iran. The brutal suppression of dissent and the lack of freedoms continue to resonate with her, as she reflects on the personal losses she endured, including the deaths of her parents shortly after her departure. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of political repression.

The Jerusalem Post

• “It’s very hard for me to see everything that’s going on there, the violence,” — Anat Mastor, Head of Perfusion, Save a Child’s Heart

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• “There is no greater satisfaction than seeing a child leave the operating room healthy,” — Anat Mastor, on her work in pediatric cardiac care.

The Jerusalem Post