I Shall Not Hate
Abuelaish, IzzeldinOn the strip of land he calls home, where 1.5 million Gazan refugees are crammed into a few square miles, Dr Izzeldin Abuelaish has been crossing the lines in the sand that divide Israelis and Palestinians for most of his life - as a physician who treats patients on both sides, and as a humanitarian who sees improved health and education for women as the way forward in the Middle East. And, most recently, as the father of three daughters who were killed by IDF shells on 16 January 2009 during Israel's incursion into the Gaza Strip.
It was Dr Abuelaish's response to this tragedy that made news and won him humanitarian awards around the world. Instead of seeking revenge or sinking into hatred, he called for the people in the region to start talking to each other. His deepest hope is that his daughters will be 'the last sacrifice on the road to peace between Palestianians and Israelis'.
Comments from Groups
A lively discussion. Several members had visited Israel. Everyone appalled at the living conditions of the Palestinians and felt the author is over optimistic about Israel / Palestine relations. Christchurch 176 People found this book a gripping read. Not particularly well written but getting the author's message across loud and clear. Dunedin 007 Great read. Great insight into the politics and conflict of Gaza strip. Inspirational man. Much to teach the world and taught us all about forgiveness and how one person can make a difference to world peace. Auckland 280 Inspirational. Most of the group felt they were more aware of the conflict between Palestine and Israel after reading the book. Tauranga 023 This was an excellent account which generated lots of discussion about both sides of the conflict. We felt that women in Muslim countries must be given more freedom and access to education, and then perhaps they can influence change. Pahiatua 003 An amazing book. We were full of admiration for Izzeldin's outlook on life, and there was much discussion on this, and on how he and his children were able to gain such good education despite their living conditions. And we think people have it tough in NZ! Putaruru 001 A depressing, but at the same time uplifting story which gave us a clear insight into a situation that is usually presented in a biased way by one side or the other. And a wonderful example of how the human spirit can refuse to be crushed. Motueka 001234
2011
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