State Department honors Muslim frontline worker Younes El Sharkawy’s service in Brescia during the COVID pandemic

August 3, 2021

In commemoration of Eid al-Adha, we honor Muslim frontline worker Younes El Sharkawy, who embodies the universal values of service, selflessness, and compassion in service to bettering the lives of others.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, Younes El Sharkawy, a medical student at the University of Brescia, volunteered with Bresciasoccorso’s ambulance service and worked throughout the pandemic helping transport COVID patients between medical facilities and, later, as an emergency medical first responder. Even though the pandemic situation has improved, he continues working with Bresciasoccorso. Mr. El Sharkawy’s commitment to serving others has extended beyond the pandemic. He is also a former Executive Board President of the Brescia chapter of Giovani Musulmani d’Italia, a not-for-profit organization that assists Muslim youth with which he still volunteers his time.

Mr. El Sharkawy has set an example for all of us to follow, and we are grateful to him for his tireless service to others.

Watch the video of Mr. El Sharkawy’s remarks at U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s Eid al-Adha event here.