Sally Becker

Sally Becker’s journey into international humanitarian aid began in Bosnia in 1993, during a period of civil war in the Balkans. Driven by the brutal images suffering civilians, she set out to offer assistance to families and children in the besieged areas. In the city of Mostar, approximately 50,000 people were trapped, enduring constant shelling and sniper fire, with limited access to food or medical aid. Responding to an urgent call for help from a United Nations officer, Sally began transporting injured children and their families to safety across the front lines. This act marked the start of her reputation as a lifesaver in war-torn areas and earned her the nickname “Angel of Mostar.”

When conflict spread to Kosovo, Becker once again were the first one to step up. With aid agencies withdrawing and borders closing as the violence intensified, she and her volunteer teams organized convoys to deliver medical supplies and humanitarian aid to regions severely affected by the fighting. Despite the risks, she traveled on foot through the mountains to deliver supplies to the isolated town of Junik, where she helped evacuate injured children to safety. At one point, Becker was captured and imprisoned during an attempt to lead a group of sick and injured children out of Kosovo. Following her release, she continued to support these children and their families, ensuring they received necessary medical care in Albania, even as she recovered from her injuries.

In 2016, Becker formally founded the British charity Road to Peace, later renamed Save a Child, to provide medical support for children in conflict zones. When ISIS surged across Iraq, Becker traveled to the front lines in Mosul, where she played a pivotal role in facilitating medical care for thousands of children affected by the group’s brutal tactics. She personally drove an ambulance into some of the most dangerous areas, offering help to those who had been critically injured or displaced by the violence. Her tireless work during this period further cemented her reputation as a determined humanitarian who is willing to put her own safety at risk to bring relief to others.

In the aftermath of the ISIS conflict, Becker helped to pioneer a technological solution to connect doctors in remote areas with pediatric specialists around the world. Her Save a Child mobile app enabled healthcare providers in conflict zones to consult with global experts, improving diagnoses and treatment options for children in isolated or under-resourced areas. The initiative marked a significant advancement in her mission to ensure that children, regardless of where they were, could access the medical support they needed.

The onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine saw Becker once again mobilizing to protect vulnerable children. Over several months, she coordinated and led efforts to evacuate 240 women and children, including more than 100 orphans, from areas directly affected by the conflict. Her actions provided these children with a safe haven and access to medical treatment in environments that were free from the immediate dangers they had faced.

Becker’s work continued to extend beyond Europe. When war erupted again in Gaza, she collaborated with other organizations to evacuate critically injured children for specialized treatment. Most recently, she partnered with Gaza Kinder Relief and Project Pure Hope to fly nine children to Italy for life-saving surgeries. These young patients, many of whom suffered from blast injuries and amputations, were welcomed in Trieste, where they received extensive care and rehabilitation. Becker’s efforts brought global attention to the plight of these children, ensuring they received care that otherwise would have been out of reach in their home region. Her work with local and international partners reflects her deeply held belief in a borderless humanitarian response.

In addition to her fieldwork, Becker has used her platform to advocate for children affected by war, emphasizing the often-overlooked trauma that young people endure in conflict zones. As a keynote speaker, she shares the stories of the children she has helped, drawing attention to the urgent need for international support in such areas. Her speeches reflect her belief that with courage and determination, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Over the years, Becker’s humanitarian work has earned her numerous accolades, including the honor of carrying the Olympic flag for Peace and Justice during the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games. Her achievements have also led to a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, recognizing her as one of the most dedicated humanitarian workers of her generation. Becker’s innovative approach to humanitarian aid, combining direct intervention with technological solutions, has had a transformative impact on the lives of thousands of children.

Sally Becker’s work stands as a testament to the impact that one individual can have in bringing hope and healing to children in conflict zones. From Bosnia to Gaza, she has shown that compassion, courage, and determination can overcome even the most severe challenges.

The information on this page was last updated on 10/30/2024 and was provided by the Luminary.