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The Story of Palestinian Israeli Who Lives For Peace and Reconciliation

Allen Parker

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Published in We Belong To The Land: The Story Of A Palestinian Israeli Who Lives For Peace And Reconciliation (The Erma Konya Kess Lives Of The Just And Virtuous Series)

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In the heart of the Middle East, where conflict and division have been deeply ingrained for decades, there are those who dare to challenge the prevailing narratives and work tirelessly for peace and reconciliation.

One such individual is Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Palestinian Israeli physician and peace activist who has dedicated his life to bridging the gap between Israelis and Palestinians.

We Belong to the Land: The Story of a Palestinian Israeli Who Lives for Peace and Reconciliation (The Erma Konya Kess Lives of the Just and Virtuous Series)

by Elias Chacour

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	224 pages

Born in 1955 in the Jabalia refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, Abuelaish experienced firsthand the harsh realities of life under Israeli occupation. As a young man, he witnessed the violence and discrimination that plagued his community, shaping his deep-seated belief in the need for peace and justice.

Abuelaish pursued a career in medicine, graduating from the Hadassah Medical School in Jerusalem in 1982. His medical practice brought him into close contact with both Israeli and Palestinian patients, allowing him to transcend the political divides and see the shared humanity that bound them.

In 2009, tragedy struck Abuelaish when his three young daughters were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their home in Gaza. The event shattered his world and plunged him into unimaginable grief. However, instead of allowing the pain to consume him, Abuelaish found solace in his belief in peace.

He refused to let hatred or despair define him. Instead, he became even more determined to promote dialogue and understanding between Israelis and Palestinians.

Abuelaish established the Izzeldin Abuelaish Centre for Hope and Peace, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering reconciliation through educational programs, community outreach, and interfaith initiatives.

Through the center, Abuelaish has organized countless workshops and events that bring together Israelis and Palestinians from all walks of life. He has created safe spaces where people can share their stories, challenge stereotypes, and build bridges of understanding.

Abuelaish has also become a sought-after speaker, traveling the world to share his message of hope and reconciliation. He has addressed audiences at the United Nations, the European Parliament, and universities around the globe.

In his talks, Abuelaish emphasizes the importance of human connection and empathy. He believes that by listening to each other's experiences and recognizing the shared pain and aspirations, Israelis and Palestinians can break down the barriers that divide them.

Abuelaish's work has not been without its challenges. He has faced criticism from both sides of the conflict, with some accusing him of being too sympathetic to one side or the other. However, he remains undeterred, believing that the path to peace is paved with perseverance and unwavering commitment.

In 2012, Abuelaish was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts to promote peace and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. While he did not win the award, the nomination served as a testament to the global recognition and respect he has earned.

The story of Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish is a testament to the transformative power of hope and reconciliation. Amidst the complexities and tragedies of the Middle East conflict, he has chosen to be a beacon of light, inspiring others to believe in the possibility of peace.

Through his work at the Izzeldin Abuelaish Centre for Hope and Peace, Abuelaish continues to build bridges between Israelis and Palestinians, one encounter at a time. He remains a symbol of hope and a reminder that peace is not only possible but also essential for the future of the region.

Additional Information

Dr. Abuelaish is the author of two books, "I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity" and "The Dawn of Peace: A Vision for the Future of the Middle East.
The Izzeldin Abuelaish Centre for Hope and Peace is located in the Jaffa neighborhood of Tel Aviv.
Abuelaish is a recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award, the International Humanist of the Year Award, and the Interfaith Award for Peace from the National Council of Churches.