Gaza Doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish Speaks at McGill

Gaza Doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish Speaks at McGill

I was pleased that McGill University had invited Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish to speak and the room in itself was full. For those who don't know, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish is a doctor from Gaza who lost three daughters in the Israel/Hamas war Jan. 2009. Dr. Abuelaish is a remarkable public figure in my view due to his ability to transcend personal tragedy, a tragedy that without denying, inspires the search for harmony and peace, rather than hatred and revenge.

In essence, the Palestinian doctor has devoted his life to reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians and is now struggling to hold on to the humane philosophy that has guided his life.

His speech was moving and heart-warming at times. His nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize is a monumental stature and reflects the nature of what human beings can achieve in the face of tribulation, loss and adversity.

I first heard about Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish when everyone else did. As he was being interviewed live, in Hebrew, on Israeli television describing the conditions inside Gaza in the midst of the last war, the news came in that an Israeli tank shell had landed on his home and killed his three daughters. It happened at 3:05 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2009.

The link below is a web-site dedicated to the message of Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish and the legacy left behind by his late daughters.

http://www.daughtersforlife.com/