A Beacon of Peace and Medical Excellence
Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish is an internationally renowned physician, human rights advocate, and author, celebrated for his unwavering commitment to peace and reconciliation. His profound personal experiences and professional expertise have made him a powerful voice for compassion and understanding in the face of conflict.
Born on February 3, 1955, in the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, Dr. Abuelaish faced significant challenges from an early age. Despite the harsh conditions, he pursued education with determination, understanding that it was the key to a better future. He earned a scholarship to study medicine in Cairo, Egypt, and later specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, completing his training in Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and Italy.
Dr. Abuelaish became the first Palestinian doctor to work in an Israeli hospital, where he served at the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba. His work in maternal and fetal medicine has been recognized for its excellence and dedication to saving lives regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or religion.
Dr. Abuelaish's life took a devastating turn on January 16, 2009, when three of his daughters—Bessan, Mayar, and Aya—and a niece were killed by Israeli tank fire during the Gaza War. Despite this unimaginable loss, Dr. Abuelaish chose the path of peace, advocating for reconciliation and dialogue instead of hatred and revenge. His remarkable response to tragedy has inspired people around the world and highlighted the human cost of conflict.
Dr. Abuelaish's memoir, "I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity," has received international acclaim. The book recounts his personal journey and calls for understanding, empathy, and the end of violence. Through his writing and public speaking engagements, Dr. Abuelaish has reached diverse audiences, sharing his message of hope and resilience.
In honor of his daughters, Dr. Abuelaish established the Daughters for Life Foundation in 2010. The foundation provides scholarships and educational opportunities for young women from the Middle East, empowering them to become leaders and advocates for change in their communities. The foundation reflects Dr. Abuelaish's belief in the transformative power of education and its role in promoting peace and equality.
Dr. Abuelaish's contributions to peace and medicine have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including multiple Nobel Peace Prize nominations. His work has been acknowledged by international organizations, universities, and governments, affirming his impact on global peace efforts and human rights advocacy.
Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish embodies the principles of compassion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of peace. His life and work are testaments to the power of forgiveness and the enduring human spirit's ability to seek light even in the darkest of times. Through his medical practice, advocacy, and foundation, Dr. Abuelaish continues to inspire and empower individuals around the world to build bridges of understanding and work towards a more just and peaceful future.
