Status
Available
Call number
Publication
Bloomsbury USA
Description
Harvard-trained Palestinian doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish's recounts his extraordinary life of devotion to medicine and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians.
User reviews
LibraryThing member cameling
This is an amazingly inspirational memoir by a Palestinian doctor, born in a refugee camp in Gaza, and who, after his wife died, then lost 3 of his daughters when the Israelis fired into his home in the Gaza strip. His daughters died simply because they had been sleeping against "the wrong wall"
Although angry and deeply grieving the death of his 3 daughters, Dr Abuelaish felt no hatred towards the Israelis who had conducted the unprovoked attacks. His live interview on Israeli television just hours after their deaths captured world attention not just on the plight of the Palestinians living in the Gaza but also astonished by the absence of calls for revenge, a call which many would have expected. Instead, he called for peace and cooperation between the 2 sides, for an understanding and acceptance of each other as individuals deserving of respect.
His memoir doesn't shy away from the tough moments in his life. The hardship and starvation he went through as a child in a poor refugee village, an eldest son having to care for his family because of his father's illness, and because, as a second family, his father's first wife and their relations made sure that his family were despised and shunned in their village. His determination and the mentoring by some teachers allowed him to do well enough to earn scholarships to the University of Cairo to study medicine.
Despite the continual humiliations he was forced to endure as a Palestinian living on what Israel believed to be their land, he was fortunate at one point in his young life, to work for a kind Israeli farming family who treated him as any other young child, who offered him kindness and more importantly, respect as a human being. He said it was this moment that he started to question why Palestinians were treated differently and why they were not afforded the same living conditions as the Israelis over the border.
As a doctor, he continued to excel in his work and among doctors he found the equality he sought as a child. He was the first Palestinian to work in an Israeli hospital. He never lost his objective in treating all patients equally and respectfully regardless of nationality and race, and while he was angry that Palestinian hospitals continued to be poorly equipped because of lack of funding and also because of embargoes by the Israelis, his anger was already directed at unfair policies.
As a reader, I am appalled at what he's had to go through in his life's journey, and at the same time, I am inspired and humbled by this amazing man. If we had more individuals like him in governments around the world, I do believe we'd have a better and safer world.
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that evening. Although angry and deeply grieving the death of his 3 daughters, Dr Abuelaish felt no hatred towards the Israelis who had conducted the unprovoked attacks. His live interview on Israeli television just hours after their deaths captured world attention not just on the plight of the Palestinians living in the Gaza but also astonished by the absence of calls for revenge, a call which many would have expected. Instead, he called for peace and cooperation between the 2 sides, for an understanding and acceptance of each other as individuals deserving of respect.
His memoir doesn't shy away from the tough moments in his life. The hardship and starvation he went through as a child in a poor refugee village, an eldest son having to care for his family because of his father's illness, and because, as a second family, his father's first wife and their relations made sure that his family were despised and shunned in their village. His determination and the mentoring by some teachers allowed him to do well enough to earn scholarships to the University of Cairo to study medicine.
Despite the continual humiliations he was forced to endure as a Palestinian living on what Israel believed to be their land, he was fortunate at one point in his young life, to work for a kind Israeli farming family who treated him as any other young child, who offered him kindness and more importantly, respect as a human being. He said it was this moment that he started to question why Palestinians were treated differently and why they were not afforded the same living conditions as the Israelis over the border.
As a doctor, he continued to excel in his work and among doctors he found the equality he sought as a child. He was the first Palestinian to work in an Israeli hospital. He never lost his objective in treating all patients equally and respectfully regardless of nationality and race, and while he was angry that Palestinian hospitals continued to be poorly equipped because of lack of funding and also because of embargoes by the Israelis, his anger was already directed at unfair policies.
As a reader, I am appalled at what he's had to go through in his life's journey, and at the same time, I am inspired and humbled by this amazing man. If we had more individuals like him in governments around the world, I do believe we'd have a better and safer world.
Show Less
LibraryThing member -Cee-
This is a unique autobiography and thoughtful expose of life in the Gaza Strip, written by a Nobel-nominated, Palestinian doctor who is convinced that peace in the Middle East is possible. Some will read this book and decide the author, Dr. Abuelaish, is a dreamer. But then, we have had dreamers
Dr Abuelaish shares his personal story of a hardscrabble existence and lifelong perseverance which inspires and lifts up the human spirit. This is truly a book that leads us deep into a searching heart and a soul of wisdom striving to benefit all humanity. Seeking freedom and justice is the infrastructure in the life committment of this remarkable man.
Even as an internationally trained doctor working in an Israeli hospital with the great respect of his patients and co-workers, Abuelaish (like all Gazans) is subjected to unnecessary anguish, humiliation and harsh limitations beyond his control.
"Fruits such as apricots, plums, grapes, and avocados, even diary products, are suddenly declared nonessential and forbidden to us... The stiffening embargo, the incursions, attacks, and arrests are playing on the psyches of the people. What's worse is that we Gazans don't see the outside world caring much about our plight. That adds to the angst... All this while babies die from malnutrition, mothers bleed to death in childbirth, and an old lady with cancer is held up at the Erez Crossing because someone is trying to teach someone else a lesson."
There is unbelievable sadness and violence continuously assaulting this man of peace and his family. It's not pretty. Through it all he practices amazing patience and tolerance. Abuelaish lives his belief that:
"Hate is blindness and leads to irrational thinking...Hatred may be reversible if we allow it."
This is an alarming and eye-opening book proposing important steps toward peace and human dignity... everywhere. It's worth thinking about. It's worth a try. War, terrorism and extreme hatred/fear is not working. We are compelled to take a hard look at what we can start doing - NOW.
Recommended for those who are truly interested in recognizing our human similarities and working towards peaceful co-existence.
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all through history who have made an enormous impact on our thinking.Dr Abuelaish shares his personal story of a hardscrabble existence and lifelong perseverance which inspires and lifts up the human spirit. This is truly a book that leads us deep into a searching heart and a soul of wisdom striving to benefit all humanity. Seeking freedom and justice is the infrastructure in the life committment of this remarkable man.
Even as an internationally trained doctor working in an Israeli hospital with the great respect of his patients and co-workers, Abuelaish (like all Gazans) is subjected to unnecessary anguish, humiliation and harsh limitations beyond his control.
"Fruits such as apricots, plums, grapes, and avocados, even diary products, are suddenly declared nonessential and forbidden to us... The stiffening embargo, the incursions, attacks, and arrests are playing on the psyches of the people. What's worse is that we Gazans don't see the outside world caring much about our plight. That adds to the angst... All this while babies die from malnutrition, mothers bleed to death in childbirth, and an old lady with cancer is held up at the Erez Crossing because someone is trying to teach someone else a lesson."
There is unbelievable sadness and violence continuously assaulting this man of peace and his family. It's not pretty. Through it all he practices amazing patience and tolerance. Abuelaish lives his belief that:
"Hate is blindness and leads to irrational thinking...Hatred may be reversible if we allow it."
This is an alarming and eye-opening book proposing important steps toward peace and human dignity... everywhere. It's worth thinking about. It's worth a try. War, terrorism and extreme hatred/fear is not working. We are compelled to take a hard look at what we can start doing - NOW.
Recommended for those who are truly interested in recognizing our human similarities and working towards peaceful co-existence.
Show Less
LibraryThing member SqueakyChu
I felt honored to have read this book. Being Jewish and having Israeli family, I found it strange to read a book that is almost like a letter from “the other side”. I was just blown away by Dr. Abuelaish’s suppression of rage and sadness after family deaths, injuries, and countless injustices
I certainly agree with Dr. Abuelaish when he says the distrust of the opposition comes from a lack of knowing each other. With closed borders and (often literal) walls (instead of bridges), this will only increase. How can the word get out to know each other better? Writing a book certainly does that.
When younger, I also worked in Soroko Hospital. It makes me proud to know that Soroko Hospital was the medical center that allowed Dr. Abuelaish to complete his medical residency. There, as a staff nurse on a medical-surgical unit, I was also able to provide care to both Jewish and Arab patients. I always found every individual patient fascinating and never wavered in the quality of care I gave to anyone based on someone’s individual religion or culture. Medicine is indeed a good place to begin our mutual cultural healing.
Even as sad as the deaths of Dr. Abuelaish’s beloved wife, daughters, and niece were, the most moving parts of this book for me were the instances where the Israeli-Palestinian friendships shined through. The most devastating part of the book for me was where Dr. Abuelaish reported on the fact that some Palestinians dared and succeeded in killing their own people for “collaborating” with Israelis. I already knew this fact, but seeing it written by the author made it jump out at me as incredibly grim.
I remember, after the Six Day War, a song promising peace to a little Israeli girl. The lyrics (translated from the Hebrew) went something like this: “I promise you, my little girl, that this will be the very last war”. I sang that song over and over again when an Israeli friend of mine gave me a record on which I found it. Now we see that the promise did not come true. Dr. Abuelaish’s dream is not that different from the aspirations of people everywhere. People want to live with dignity, be able to provide for their families, have sufficient shelter and food, and be free from fear.
I like how Dr. Abuelaish described the history and present situation of Palestinian Arabs through a first person account. It went much farther than Joe Sacco’s [Palestine] in introducing me to how daily life goes on in Gaza. It amazed me further to learn that a boy born into such utter poverty in a Gaza refugee camp could grow up to be a doctor and later even study at Harvard! More astounding is the fact that Dr. Abuelaish forces himself to squelch any rage against the Israelis by working so determinedly on behalf of his people and for the idea of peaceful Palestinian-Israeli coexistence.
In memory of Bessan, Mayar, and Aya, the three daughters of Dr. Abuelaish who died as the result of Israeli shelling, Dr. Abuelaish started a foundation to help educate Palestinian women. He personally saw how strong women could be within his own family. With education, he feels, they can be even stronger and have more of an impact on the world around them. I totally support what I believe to be his positive reaction to the total chaos that often reigns in Gaza.
If this book has any faults at all, it’s that some of Dr. Abuelaish’s statements were a bit repetitive. I forgive him for that as he had a point to make, and all he wanted to do was to emphasize some stronger points. It’s nothing that a good editor can’t fix with a rewrite.
I must admit that I was relieved to learn that Dr. Abuelaish and his family are now living in Toronto, Canada. That’s a lovely cosmopolitan city and a great place for his family. I want them all to be free from fear and harm. I do know that he and his family will return to Gaza. I know that in the same way that I know nothing can keep me or my family from living in or visiting Israel. It’s our history. It’s also in our blood and our hearts. Dr. Abuelaish’s dream of peaceful coexistence is also my dream. Thank you, Dr. Abuelaish, for writing this book.
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suffered at the hands of Israelis. Instead of lashing out, he offers his hand in peace to stop this useless warfare which is only causing fear, injury, and death to both the Palestinians and Israelis.I certainly agree with Dr. Abuelaish when he says the distrust of the opposition comes from a lack of knowing each other. With closed borders and (often literal) walls (instead of bridges), this will only increase. How can the word get out to know each other better? Writing a book certainly does that.
When younger, I also worked in Soroko Hospital. It makes me proud to know that Soroko Hospital was the medical center that allowed Dr. Abuelaish to complete his medical residency. There, as a staff nurse on a medical-surgical unit, I was also able to provide care to both Jewish and Arab patients. I always found every individual patient fascinating and never wavered in the quality of care I gave to anyone based on someone’s individual religion or culture. Medicine is indeed a good place to begin our mutual cultural healing.
Even as sad as the deaths of Dr. Abuelaish’s beloved wife, daughters, and niece were, the most moving parts of this book for me were the instances where the Israeli-Palestinian friendships shined through. The most devastating part of the book for me was where Dr. Abuelaish reported on the fact that some Palestinians dared and succeeded in killing their own people for “collaborating” with Israelis. I already knew this fact, but seeing it written by the author made it jump out at me as incredibly grim.
I remember, after the Six Day War, a song promising peace to a little Israeli girl. The lyrics (translated from the Hebrew) went something like this: “I promise you, my little girl, that this will be the very last war”. I sang that song over and over again when an Israeli friend of mine gave me a record on which I found it. Now we see that the promise did not come true. Dr. Abuelaish’s dream is not that different from the aspirations of people everywhere. People want to live with dignity, be able to provide for their families, have sufficient shelter and food, and be free from fear.
I like how Dr. Abuelaish described the history and present situation of Palestinian Arabs through a first person account. It went much farther than Joe Sacco’s [Palestine] in introducing me to how daily life goes on in Gaza. It amazed me further to learn that a boy born into such utter poverty in a Gaza refugee camp could grow up to be a doctor and later even study at Harvard! More astounding is the fact that Dr. Abuelaish forces himself to squelch any rage against the Israelis by working so determinedly on behalf of his people and for the idea of peaceful Palestinian-Israeli coexistence.
In memory of Bessan, Mayar, and Aya, the three daughters of Dr. Abuelaish who died as the result of Israeli shelling, Dr. Abuelaish started a foundation to help educate Palestinian women. He personally saw how strong women could be within his own family. With education, he feels, they can be even stronger and have more of an impact on the world around them. I totally support what I believe to be his positive reaction to the total chaos that often reigns in Gaza.
If this book has any faults at all, it’s that some of Dr. Abuelaish’s statements were a bit repetitive. I forgive him for that as he had a point to make, and all he wanted to do was to emphasize some stronger points. It’s nothing that a good editor can’t fix with a rewrite.
I must admit that I was relieved to learn that Dr. Abuelaish and his family are now living in Toronto, Canada. That’s a lovely cosmopolitan city and a great place for his family. I want them all to be free from fear and harm. I do know that he and his family will return to Gaza. I know that in the same way that I know nothing can keep me or my family from living in or visiting Israel. It’s our history. It’s also in our blood and our hearts. Dr. Abuelaish’s dream of peaceful coexistence is also my dream. Thank you, Dr. Abuelaish, for writing this book.
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LibraryThing member kidzdoc
This heartbreaking yet optimistic and remarkable memoir by a Palestinian OB/GYN who lost three daughters in an accidental bombing attack by Israeli Defense Forces in 2008 begins with the author's birth in a camp in the Gaza Strip, seven years after his father's family fled for their lives and
Abuelaish was befriended by Israeli citizens in childhood, when he worked and lived with a Jewish family for several months as a teenager, and during the early years of his medical career, when he referred difficult cases to doctors in Israel who were impressed by his knowledge and good will. He became one of the first Palestinian physicians to complete a residency program and serve on the medical staff at an Israeli hospital, where he continued to earn the respect and devotion of his colleagues and patients. Through these interactions he realized that many Israelis did not hate Palestinians and wished to live in peace alongside them, despite repeated wars and the extremist positions of leaders and politicians on both sides.
Abuelaish worked tirelessly in support of the Palestinian people, realizing that medicine could serve as a bridge to connect well meaning Israelis and Palestinians to overcome the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, the escalation of the battles between Palestinian insurgents and the Israeli Defense Forces made his goals more impossible to achieve, particularly after the crackdown and bombing campaign that occurred after Hamas took control of the Palestinian Parliament in 2006. After his wife's death in 2008, Abuelaish decided to emigrate with his children, to provide better lives and opportunities for them and to ensure their safety from the escalating violence in Gaza. Unfortunately, just before they were able to leave, an Israeli bomb ripped through the apartment building that he had built for his family, killing three of his daughters and a beloved niece. The tragedy was broadcast live on Israeli television, as he described the aftermath to a reporter by phone just after the bomb struck.
Despite the personal tragedy, Abuelaish, who now lives with his remaining children in Toronto, remains optimistic about the prospects for peace in his homeland, due largely to the many friends he has made in Israel and Gaza. In his opinion, peace will come when leaders and politicians act in the broad interests of Israelis and Palestinians, rather than pursuing narrow goals or listening to the voices of extremists on both sides. He strongly supports an increased role for women in Palestinian society, as he believes that they are more likely to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis than their often belligerent male counterparts. In honor of his three deceased daughters he has set up a foundation, Daughters for Life, which will provide scholarships for Palestinian women to attend high school and university, and create or support programs aimed to improve the lives of women in Gaza and the West Bank.
The book ends with a touching tribute to his late daughters and beloved wife, a list of lessons that he has learned, and a call to action to ensure that the crisis can be resolved once and forever.
I Shall Not Hate is an amazing story, and Dr. Abuelaish's celebration of life and belief in his fellow man in the face of personal tragedy should provide inspiration to everyone that we can solve the world's problems, if we care about our fellow men and women as brothers and sisters and take the time to listen to each other.
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abandoned their home during the 1948 Palestinian exodus (Nakba). Abuelaish overcame crushing poverty and difficult odds through hard work, studying at night by the light of a lamp, and won a scholarship to study medicine at Cairo University. Despite the deplorable living conditions in the Gaza Strip, he decided to return there after he completed his training, to serve the people who nurtured and supported him. Abuelaish was befriended by Israeli citizens in childhood, when he worked and lived with a Jewish family for several months as a teenager, and during the early years of his medical career, when he referred difficult cases to doctors in Israel who were impressed by his knowledge and good will. He became one of the first Palestinian physicians to complete a residency program and serve on the medical staff at an Israeli hospital, where he continued to earn the respect and devotion of his colleagues and patients. Through these interactions he realized that many Israelis did not hate Palestinians and wished to live in peace alongside them, despite repeated wars and the extremist positions of leaders and politicians on both sides.
Abuelaish worked tirelessly in support of the Palestinian people, realizing that medicine could serve as a bridge to connect well meaning Israelis and Palestinians to overcome the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, the escalation of the battles between Palestinian insurgents and the Israeli Defense Forces made his goals more impossible to achieve, particularly after the crackdown and bombing campaign that occurred after Hamas took control of the Palestinian Parliament in 2006. After his wife's death in 2008, Abuelaish decided to emigrate with his children, to provide better lives and opportunities for them and to ensure their safety from the escalating violence in Gaza. Unfortunately, just before they were able to leave, an Israeli bomb ripped through the apartment building that he had built for his family, killing three of his daughters and a beloved niece. The tragedy was broadcast live on Israeli television, as he described the aftermath to a reporter by phone just after the bomb struck.
Despite the personal tragedy, Abuelaish, who now lives with his remaining children in Toronto, remains optimistic about the prospects for peace in his homeland, due largely to the many friends he has made in Israel and Gaza. In his opinion, peace will come when leaders and politicians act in the broad interests of Israelis and Palestinians, rather than pursuing narrow goals or listening to the voices of extremists on both sides. He strongly supports an increased role for women in Palestinian society, as he believes that they are more likely to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis than their often belligerent male counterparts. In honor of his three deceased daughters he has set up a foundation, Daughters for Life, which will provide scholarships for Palestinian women to attend high school and university, and create or support programs aimed to improve the lives of women in Gaza and the West Bank.
The book ends with a touching tribute to his late daughters and beloved wife, a list of lessons that he has learned, and a call to action to ensure that the crisis can be resolved once and forever.
I Shall Not Hate is an amazing story, and Dr. Abuelaish's celebration of life and belief in his fellow man in the face of personal tragedy should provide inspiration to everyone that we can solve the world's problems, if we care about our fellow men and women as brothers and sisters and take the time to listen to each other.
Show Less
LibraryThing member souloftherose
Izzeldin Abuelaish is a Palestinian doctor born in one of the refugee camps in the Gaza strip after his family decided it would be wisest to leave their family home in what is now part of Israel until the tensions died down. The family was never able to return to their home and Abuelaish grew up in
This book was written following the tragic deaths of three of Abuelaish’s daughters and one of his nieces during the Israeli incursion into the Gaza Strip in 2009, just two days before a ceasefire was finally declared. Tragically, these young girls only died because they happened to be in the wrong room at the wrong time.
Dr Abuelaish worked at an Israeli hospital which meant he was one of the few Gazans who had permission to travel outside the Gaza Strip and knew and worked with Israelis face to face. As one of the few people on either side of the conflict who had regular contact with both Israelis and Palestinians, Abuelaish had always worked to promote peace and understanding between the two sides and brought his children up to do the same.
Although the tragic death of his family members is the reason why this book was written, Abuelaish’s account of his early life and the obstacles he and his family had to overcome for him to train and qualify as a doctor would still be a tale worthy of a book in its own right. But it’s his response to the death of his daughters and niece that has really made him know internationally (including a nomination for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize) and that really impacts on reading this book.
As the title of the book suggests, Abuelaish refuses to give in to hate following the death of his daughters.
‘It is important to feel anger in the wake of events like this; anger that signals that you do not accept what has happened, that spurs you to make a difference. But you have to choose not to spiral into hate. All the desire for revenge and hatred does is drive away wisdom, increase sorrow, and prolong strife.’
Abuelaish hasn’t tried to whitewash his reactions/emotions when writing this book. The day before his daughters died, Abuelaish notes that he lost his temper because of the chaos inside their home caused by 17 people staying inside one small apartment for so long. And that makes his decision not to give in to hate even more remarkable. I felt Abuelaish was another flawed human like me and not holding himself up to be a perfect person.
Knowing what would happen, I actually had to put this book down for a while when I started to get to the point when I knew his daughters were about to die because I was finding it so emotional. But despite that I am so glad I read this book.
I didn’t know a great deal about the history of the Palestinian-Israeli tensions before reading this book and I thought Abuelaish did a good job of explaining the background to the tensions and there’s also a good map of Israel and the Palestinian territories at the front of the book. Although Abuelaish is a Palestinian, I didn’t feel that his account of the tensions was biased. He’s clear throughout the book that both sides have suffered atrocious losses and both sides need to forgive and come to some sort of compromise if the violence is to stop.
Highly recommended, I found this to be an incredibly moving memoir.
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the Gaza Strip, only leaving when he was older to study as a doctor in Egypt. This book was written following the tragic deaths of three of Abuelaish’s daughters and one of his nieces during the Israeli incursion into the Gaza Strip in 2009, just two days before a ceasefire was finally declared. Tragically, these young girls only died because they happened to be in the wrong room at the wrong time.
Dr Abuelaish worked at an Israeli hospital which meant he was one of the few Gazans who had permission to travel outside the Gaza Strip and knew and worked with Israelis face to face. As one of the few people on either side of the conflict who had regular contact with both Israelis and Palestinians, Abuelaish had always worked to promote peace and understanding between the two sides and brought his children up to do the same.
Although the tragic death of his family members is the reason why this book was written, Abuelaish’s account of his early life and the obstacles he and his family had to overcome for him to train and qualify as a doctor would still be a tale worthy of a book in its own right. But it’s his response to the death of his daughters and niece that has really made him know internationally (including a nomination for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize) and that really impacts on reading this book.
As the title of the book suggests, Abuelaish refuses to give in to hate following the death of his daughters.
‘It is important to feel anger in the wake of events like this; anger that signals that you do not accept what has happened, that spurs you to make a difference. But you have to choose not to spiral into hate. All the desire for revenge and hatred does is drive away wisdom, increase sorrow, and prolong strife.’
Abuelaish hasn’t tried to whitewash his reactions/emotions when writing this book. The day before his daughters died, Abuelaish notes that he lost his temper because of the chaos inside their home caused by 17 people staying inside one small apartment for so long. And that makes his decision not to give in to hate even more remarkable. I felt Abuelaish was another flawed human like me and not holding himself up to be a perfect person.
Knowing what would happen, I actually had to put this book down for a while when I started to get to the point when I knew his daughters were about to die because I was finding it so emotional. But despite that I am so glad I read this book.
I didn’t know a great deal about the history of the Palestinian-Israeli tensions before reading this book and I thought Abuelaish did a good job of explaining the background to the tensions and there’s also a good map of Israel and the Palestinian territories at the front of the book. Although Abuelaish is a Palestinian, I didn’t feel that his account of the tensions was biased. He’s clear throughout the book that both sides have suffered atrocious losses and both sides need to forgive and come to some sort of compromise if the violence is to stop.
Highly recommended, I found this to be an incredibly moving memoir.
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LibraryThing member _Zoe_
This is a powerful and important book. Abuelaish tells a story of optimism against all odds: he grew up in the Gaza Strip, where it was struggle just to survive, but managed to succeed in school and become a doctor despite all the obstacles he faced. Rather than developing a deep hatred against the
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country that had caused him so much suffering, he retained a firm belief in Israelis as people and remained convinced that it was possible for Israelis and Palestinians to live in harmony. Even more amazingly, he maintained this belief and optimism even after three of his daughters were killed in an Israeli assault on Gaza. He of all people might be expected to turn to despair and hate, and yet he manages to look forward to a better future. This is an honest story that certainly isn't short on horror, but the underlying sense of hope makes all the difference. It's a very refreshing read, and highly recommended to anyone with an interest in the Middle East. Show Less
LibraryThing member tymfos
I received a free copy of this book from the LT Early Reviewer program, in return for my willingness to review it.
Once I began reading this book, I found it difficult to put down. This is a remarkable book by and about a remarkable man. Dr. Abuelaish has overcome great obstacles, growing up with
I learned a lot from this book about life in Gaza, and about what it means to be a peacemaker in a world filled with too much violence and hate. I hope that someday his dream of peace and reconcilliation between Palestinians and Jews will be fulfilled. An excellent book!
Once I began reading this book, I found it difficult to put down. This is a remarkable book by and about a remarkable man. Dr. Abuelaish has overcome great obstacles, growing up with
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grinding poverty and oppression in Gaza, and achieved great things. The everyday indiginities he has endured to pursue his education and profession are immense, and his patience in the face of it all is remarkable. Most remarkable is his willingness to forgive even the most grievous of wrongs; his ability to see the good and bad on both sides of a deep divide; his determination to meet each person he encounters as an individual without pre-judging, and his drive to look forward toward the future, rather than lingering helplessly in the grip of past wrongs.I learned a lot from this book about life in Gaza, and about what it means to be a peacemaker in a world filled with too much violence and hate. I hope that someday his dream of peace and reconcilliation between Palestinians and Jews will be fulfilled. An excellent book!
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LibraryThing member labfs39
Izzeldin Abuelaish has every reason to hate the Israelis. Born in a squalid refugee camp in Gaza, his family unable to return to the prosperous farm they had lived on for generations, Abuelaish grew up in abject poverty. Even as a child, he had to work to help support the family, and his schooling
Once established as a doctor, Abuelaish returned to live in Gaza and he raised a family there, but worked in Israel. Such a situation is highly unusual given both the restrictions of movement in and out of Gaza, and the distrust between Israelis and Palestinians. Abuelaish was the first Palestinian doctor to be on staff at an Israeli hospital, and he used every opportunity both there and abroad to talk about the horrible conditions within Gaza and to advocate for mutual understanding and peace.
In 2008 Hamas was launching a steady stream of missiles against Israeli border towns, and on December 27 the Israelis struck Gaza with a surprise air strike followed by three weeks of ground assault. With no way out of Gaza, Abuelaish relied on his renown as a doctor working in Israel to protect him and his family. But no place was safe from Operation Cast Lead. The tragic outcome became an international firestorm, and Abuelaish found his opportunities to promote peace open up to the international stage, if he could find it within himself to continue.
I Shall Not Hate is the story of a remarkable man. Self-made, with noble aspirations, and subject to tragedy after tragedy, Abuelaish has a heartbreaking story to tell. But what makes the book a must-read is the message within the story. The idea that Palestinian-Israeli peace can be achieved and will be if enough people connect, learn each other’s stories, and agree to move ahead without casting blame and seeking revenge. I was reluctant to read I Shall Not Hate, because I didn’t want to become lost in the pain of his losses. Once I began, however, I was unable to put it down again, and I found that despite tragedy, the book is essentially one of hope. Perhaps not all is lost.
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was always in danger of being curtailed. But thanks to his mother and his own unquenchable desire to learn, Abuelaish persevered and succeeded beyond all expectations. Once established as a doctor, Abuelaish returned to live in Gaza and he raised a family there, but worked in Israel. Such a situation is highly unusual given both the restrictions of movement in and out of Gaza, and the distrust between Israelis and Palestinians. Abuelaish was the first Palestinian doctor to be on staff at an Israeli hospital, and he used every opportunity both there and abroad to talk about the horrible conditions within Gaza and to advocate for mutual understanding and peace.
In 2008 Hamas was launching a steady stream of missiles against Israeli border towns, and on December 27 the Israelis struck Gaza with a surprise air strike followed by three weeks of ground assault. With no way out of Gaza, Abuelaish relied on his renown as a doctor working in Israel to protect him and his family. But no place was safe from Operation Cast Lead. The tragic outcome became an international firestorm, and Abuelaish found his opportunities to promote peace open up to the international stage, if he could find it within himself to continue.
I Shall Not Hate is the story of a remarkable man. Self-made, with noble aspirations, and subject to tragedy after tragedy, Abuelaish has a heartbreaking story to tell. But what makes the book a must-read is the message within the story. The idea that Palestinian-Israeli peace can be achieved and will be if enough people connect, learn each other’s stories, and agree to move ahead without casting blame and seeking revenge. I was reluctant to read I Shall Not Hate, because I didn’t want to become lost in the pain of his losses. Once I began, however, I was unable to put it down again, and I found that despite tragedy, the book is essentially one of hope. Perhaps not all is lost.
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LibraryThing member bymerechance
If anyone wants to understand a bit more about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and how it affects people living on the ground in the Gaza Strip, this is the book to read. Abuelaish traces the history from his childhood in a refugee camp to the current difficulties faced by anyone trying to cross
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the border to Israel. His motivation in writing a book to urge more cooperation and coexistence stems from the death of three of his daughters in a 2009 bombing by the Israeli Defense Force. But I was almost more horrified by his account of trying to get home to see his dying wife. The traveling delays and restrictions on Palestinians, not to mention the substandard medical treatment available in Gaza hospitals, are completely unreasonable. I think this speaks to one of Abuelaish’s most important points: peace is not the absence of war. He believes there will never be true, lasting peace for anyone in the area until everyone has access to basic human rights: food, shelter, education, health care. I Shall Not Hate will open readers’ eyes to the human realities of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, but also suggest a hopeful way forward. Show Less
LibraryThing member DeltaQueen50
What an eye-opener I Shall Not Hate by Izzeldin Abuelaish was. This is the first book I have read by a Palestinian, not to mention one who was born and lived all his life in Gaza. Born to poverty in the internment camps, yet managing to educate himself and train as a doctor, this man is quite a
One of the things I most admire Dr. Abuelaish for is his stand on education for women. He feels this is one of the ways to bring the Palestine situation to a peaceful resolution. He is convinced that if women had some control we wouldn’t see as many advocates of war. He is putting his money where is mouth is as well by establishing an education fund in the name of his slain daughters and niece.
Yes, this man has lost a lot. Three of his daughters and one niece were killed when a Israelis tank shot a missile into his home. Another daughter and niece were badly wounded. So many wrongs have been committed on both sides, yet, he still says that both sides should not dwell in the past. Moving on and laying the past to rest is the way to a sustainable future.
Perhaps a naïve and over-simplified view, but I found this to be a very readable book about an admirable man, his family, his countrymen and his hope to see Israel and Palestine find the road to peaceful coexistence.
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role model. His cries of Peace, Brotherhood and Non-retaliation appear to fall on mostly deaf ears but, perhaps someday major advances will be made in regards to the plight of the Palestinian people.One of the things I most admire Dr. Abuelaish for is his stand on education for women. He feels this is one of the ways to bring the Palestine situation to a peaceful resolution. He is convinced that if women had some control we wouldn’t see as many advocates of war. He is putting his money where is mouth is as well by establishing an education fund in the name of his slain daughters and niece.
Yes, this man has lost a lot. Three of his daughters and one niece were killed when a Israelis tank shot a missile into his home. Another daughter and niece were badly wounded. So many wrongs have been committed on both sides, yet, he still says that both sides should not dwell in the past. Moving on and laying the past to rest is the way to a sustainable future.
Perhaps a naïve and over-simplified view, but I found this to be a very readable book about an admirable man, his family, his countrymen and his hope to see Israel and Palestine find the road to peaceful coexistence.
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LibraryThing member _Lily_
I shall not hate by Izzeldin Abuelaish
Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews.
By turns inspiring and heart-breaking, hopeful and horrifying, I Shall Not Hate is Izzeldin Abuelaish's account of an extraordinary life. A Harvard-trained Palestinian doctor who was born and raised in the Jabalia
I became interested in this book after I participated in the Holocaust remembrance week, a week that reflected on the tragic time and had an ending message of a much needed peace.
This book was written by a man who lost everything even with his daughters being killed in an attack, he vowed to himself not to hate. That says so much about him, to be able to go through that and not hate the person or persons that carried out the attack is amazing.
Abuelaish credits his Muslim faith with his ability to not hate, he is calling for an end to the violance and the hatred on both sides of the conflict.
His story is both sad and moving, there were many times in this book I cried. The description he paints of the attack is truly one of the saddest things I have ever read. Abuelaish writes in a way that reader feels like they are there with him in his memories seeing what he is describing. I highly recommend this book to everyone. This is a book that should be taught in schools all over the world. I shall not hate is truly one of the best books I have ever read.
Overall rating ***** 5 out of 5 stars
Cover art I liked the cover art.
Obtained I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review thank you Michelle.
Reviewed by Moirae the fates book reviews.
By turns inspiring and heart-breaking, hopeful and horrifying, I Shall Not Hate is Izzeldin Abuelaish's account of an extraordinary life. A Harvard-trained Palestinian doctor who was born and raised in the Jabalia
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refugee camp in the Gaza Strip and "who has devoted his life to medicine and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians" (New York Times), 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 of the line, as a humanitarian who sees the need for improved health and education for women as the way forward in the Middle East. And, most recently, as the father whose daughters were killed by Israeli soldiers on January 16, 2009, during Israel's incursion into the Gaza Strip. His response to this tragedy made news and won him humanitarian awards around the world. Instead of seeking revenge or sinking into hatred, Abuelaish 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 Palestinians and Israelis." (Synopsis provided by goodreads)I became interested in this book after I participated in the Holocaust remembrance week, a week that reflected on the tragic time and had an ending message of a much needed peace.
This book was written by a man who lost everything even with his daughters being killed in an attack, he vowed to himself not to hate. That says so much about him, to be able to go through that and not hate the person or persons that carried out the attack is amazing.
Abuelaish credits his Muslim faith with his ability to not hate, he is calling for an end to the violance and the hatred on both sides of the conflict.
His story is both sad and moving, there were many times in this book I cried. The description he paints of the attack is truly one of the saddest things I have ever read. Abuelaish writes in a way that reader feels like they are there with him in his memories seeing what he is describing. I highly recommend this book to everyone. This is a book that should be taught in schools all over the world. I shall not hate is truly one of the best books I have ever read.
Overall rating ***** 5 out of 5 stars
Cover art I liked the cover art.
Obtained I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review thank you Michelle.
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LibraryThing member AzureMountain
I have been moved by Dr. Abulelaish's story of loss and his desire for peace. I am in awe of his ability to remain composed and humane in the most inhumane of circumstances. His personal recollections of the daily trials all Palestinians are subjected to (the story of what he has to go through to
Along with Stones Into Schools or Three Cups of Tea - I would recommend this book be required reading for all high school age children in the United States.
I am sure there are people on the Israeli side with equally tragic stories and hopes for peace. If anyone has a book suggestion please let me know.
I am fortunate that Dr. Abuelaish is coming to speak in my hometown and I have obtained a ticket to attend the event. Without the Library Thing Early Reviewers program - I would have missed this book and the opportunity to hear his message in person. Thank you.
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get on an airplane sticks out) are vivid, personal and tragic. He has a simple message and he communicates it over and over again. Peace will not come unless the parties listen and their governments want peace. Once that is achieved, peace is possible. In many books, the sometimes repetitive nature of this message would bother me. In this book it only reinforces that despite losses that no parent should have to face - Dr. Abuelaish wants nothing more than peace and lives for nothing more than peace.Along with Stones Into Schools or Three Cups of Tea - I would recommend this book be required reading for all high school age children in the United States.
I am sure there are people on the Israeli side with equally tragic stories and hopes for peace. If anyone has a book suggestion please let me know.
I am fortunate that Dr. Abuelaish is coming to speak in my hometown and I have obtained a ticket to attend the event. Without the Library Thing Early Reviewers program - I would have missed this book and the opportunity to hear his message in person. Thank you.
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LibraryThing member stretch
I Shall Not Hate is truly a book worth reading. The raw emotional passion that Abuelaish feels throughout the book is self-evident in this unapologetic, unpolished work about one man's hope for a new way forward for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Abuelaish, a Palestinian physician, is an
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advocate that the people of Palestine and the people of Israel need to come together in mutual respect and put the past in the past if there is ever going to be peace between the two countries. The military option has clearly not worked, and the conditions in which the Palestinians are forced to live is beyond harsh, some might even go as far as to say in humane, could make anybody want to seek vengeance. But Abuelaish doesn't see the endless cycle of revenge as an answer even after all the humiliation, and everyday hardships that comes with the tight border controls; even after the tragic deaths of his wife (cancer) and the deaths of his daughters and niece and the hands of the Israeli army, Abuelaish is a fervent believer that the only way forward is through forgiveness and respect. I Shall Not Hate is book that needs to be read by those wanting a deeper understanding of what is at stake in this war and why the world's current solutions won't be enough to bring peace to such a troubled people. Abuelaish's hope for a better future is truly inspiring. Show Less
LibraryThing member cmbohn
This book was hard to read and hard to review. Hard to read because it is so grim in the story. It is so full of violence, so full of sadness, that it was overwhelming at times. I could only read about 10 pages before I had to set the book down. It made it very difficult to finish. It's hard to
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review because so many others have already said what I felt - that despite the emotion, this is an important book and an inspiration. I'm glad I had a chance to read it. I learned so much about Palestine and the Gaza strip. I'm so grateful for people like Dr. Abuelaish, who keep working, who keep trying to find a solution when hatred seems the easiest way out. Show Less
LibraryThing member AObenhaus
The "Gaza doctor" touched my heart. Not really knowing much about the Gaza Strip, I found this book to be educational and gut wrenching. If you want to read a book about a world we know little about, then read this book. You will see the world differently.
LibraryThing member bibliophileofalls
Although it did take me longer than usual to feel completely engaged in this book, the last half of the book I found was very good reading. I did feel that it would probably be a goodf idea to read something written by an Israeli to balance this account of oppression and aggresion by the Israeli's
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targeting the Palestinians. Dr. Abuelaish makes a convincing case for dropping the retaliations and hate that have made this area of the world a war-zone for so many years. He presents a voice of reason and lays a groundwork for peace and co-existance which is so desparately needed there. His own personal losses are so huge they are beyond measure and yet his campaign towards peace continues unwavering. The world needs more people like this man and more books like "I shall not hate". Show Less
LibraryThing member dele2451
The story is so very tragic and even more inspiring than I could have imagined. Dr Abuelaish is a shining beacon of hope and reason in a very dark world of deprivation, war, and hate. Every person who has any part of the Israeli/Palestinian peace process (or the destruction of it) should commit
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this book to memory. That goes for other regions plagued by violence too. As for the actual writing, I would have actually given the book a five, but I felt some parts of the text were written while the author was still numb/shell-shocked so the descriptions of the emotional conflicts were not as complete as the reporting of the actual incidents. That could understandably be a coping mechanism when dealing with such a terrible and personal loss, but it detracted just a bit from the power of the story. Overall, I think is a very important story and I would recommend it to anyone. Thank you again Early Reviewers for a great read! Show Less
LibraryThing member jo2son
"If I could know that my daughters were the last sacrifice on the road to peace between Palestinians and Israelis, then I would accept their loss." This is the remarkable story of a doctor who grew up and lived in Gaza and his efforts to bring peace and understanding to his region through
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conversations and relationships with Israelis despite the deaths of three of his daughters from Israeli rockets. This is truly an eye opener of what it is like to live in Gaza and how hard it is to cross the border into Israel. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jcambridge
As the current events in the Middle East continue to unfold, this book becomes even more relevant to those who struggle to understand the complexities of the region. The is an amazing personal story that will hold the reader's attention and hopefully encourage others to look for peaceful ways to
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resolve the conflicts that seem to have no end. It offers hope in a climate that seems to be dominated by media headlines that are oftentimes beyond belief and understanding to those outside the region. Show Less
LibraryThing member simora
What an inspiring and emotional story of this man who lost his 3 daughters in a Gaza attack on his Palestinian home! I have started reading this book not knowing much about the long term conflict in the Gaza strip, and I am glad I did so with a beginner's mind; Dr. Abuelaish' recount and amazingly
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neutral position in this history of conflict only helped me look at this sad and long overdue political argument through his eyes, free of preconceived ideas, stereotyping and generalizations. As a health care professional, I agree with his view on seeing medicine as a link between people, a bridge that can unite us all. Although his loss is inconceivably sad and unnecessary, it brought to life a book that should be read by anyone. This book reminds us all that truth is always in the middle, and that humanity is about what we all have in common, and not what sets us apart. A brilliant lesson in how to live and love despite all challenges. Show Less
LibraryThing member bogreader
Dr. Abuelaish's memoir of growing up and living in the Gaza Strip is both a heartwarming and heartbreaking story. Abuelaish overcomes many obstacles to become doctor of obstetrics and gynecology and then marry and start a family. Difficulties living in poverty as a Palestinian are challenged and
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many times surmounted. Rather than hating Israelis as a group, he builds relationships one-by-one. While making strides in his professional life, he realizes that his beloved family often absorbs the brunt of his frustration and anger. He can not allow himself to get angry with a border guard, however he can fume at his family members. After many successes, three of his daughters are killed in his home by Israelis. Despite this tragedy, Abuelaish will not allow himself or others to blindly hate others. Show Less
LibraryThing member lostbooks
This book was a good memoir about Dr. Abuelaish's tragic experience living in Gaza. I would have liked a better feeling for who his daughters were before their murder was described in the book (this was provided later in the book). I also would have liked him to expand further on his ideas for a
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solution to the conflict over in Gaza. Otherwise, it is a book I would recommend to others in order for them to get a better understanding of what life is like in Gaza. Show Less
LibraryThing member ellenr
An incredible story of courage, integrity and humanity in the presence of severe poverty, suffering, and the most extreme losses. A single man's ability to seek peace through his own actions one person to one person.
LibraryThing member TooBusyReading
Dr. Abuelaish has a remarkable story to tell, and most remarkable of all is that after three of his daughters and his niece were killed in the Gaza strip, he still wants peace, not revenge. This alone says worlds about the man.
The various wars, conflicts, and at the best of times, unease, between
Because I am of a different religion and culture, some of these things do not make any sense to me. Why continue to have children (eventually, Izzeldin was one of 9 siblings and 2 half-siblings) when you live in a 10X10 room and cannot support the children you already have? And I don't think I could worship a god who is appeased by animals sacrifices. Again, I recognize that I come from a very different culture and cannot clearly see his viewpoint.
Interestingly, Dr. A had eight children and became an infertility specialist, and he writes of why that specialty is so important to him.
How is it that we can look at one life and say it is more valuable than another one? Look at the infants in the delivery rooms: they are innocent children who have the right to grow up to be educated adults with opportunities in life. Then we fill them with stories that promote hatred and fear.
He worked closely with Israeli doctors, staff, and patients as well as Palestinians. For the most part, these enemies worked well together and respected one another, as is often the case when people get to know each other as individuals rather than stereotypes. Some of the border guards – well, that's a different story. When he gives speeches, he is often shouted down by people who want to argue but not listen. But then again, there are the people willing to consider what he has to say, to consider how peace can be created.
The writing isn't always exceptional. On one page, writing about the PLO, the author says he is not political but “was never accused of not being engaged.” On the next page, he writes “I was also never accused of not being engaged.” And I'm not sure exactly what he means in either statement. Still, this book is a great read for someone who wants to understand more about Gaza and one man's hope for peace.
I was given a copy of this book by the Publisher through LibraryThing.
The various wars, conflicts, and at the best of times, unease, between
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the Palestinians and the Israelis is tragic. Like two dogs, one bone, like schoolyard bullies. I don't pretend to know the solution but continued fighting, deprivation, and hate isn't it. This is the message that Palestinian Dr. A. is spreading despite the suffering he has endured, despite the near-impossible border crossings. His descriptions of life in Gaza were eye-opening for me.Because I am of a different religion and culture, some of these things do not make any sense to me. Why continue to have children (eventually, Izzeldin was one of 9 siblings and 2 half-siblings) when you live in a 10X10 room and cannot support the children you already have? And I don't think I could worship a god who is appeased by animals sacrifices. Again, I recognize that I come from a very different culture and cannot clearly see his viewpoint.
Interestingly, Dr. A had eight children and became an infertility specialist, and he writes of why that specialty is so important to him.
How is it that we can look at one life and say it is more valuable than another one? Look at the infants in the delivery rooms: they are innocent children who have the right to grow up to be educated adults with opportunities in life. Then we fill them with stories that promote hatred and fear.
He worked closely with Israeli doctors, staff, and patients as well as Palestinians. For the most part, these enemies worked well together and respected one another, as is often the case when people get to know each other as individuals rather than stereotypes. Some of the border guards – well, that's a different story. When he gives speeches, he is often shouted down by people who want to argue but not listen. But then again, there are the people willing to consider what he has to say, to consider how peace can be created.
The writing isn't always exceptional. On one page, writing about the PLO, the author says he is not political but “was never accused of not being engaged.” On the next page, he writes “I was also never accused of not being engaged.” And I'm not sure exactly what he means in either statement. Still, this book is a great read for someone who wants to understand more about Gaza and one man's hope for peace.
I was given a copy of this book by the Publisher through LibraryThing.
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LibraryThing member xrayedgrl
Abuelaish's book "I shall not Hate" is a testimony to Love, Faith and the Human spirit.
To begin I have to say that I have never experienced even a fraction of the heartache and pain that Dr.Abuelaish has endured in the course of his life. While some might have become hardened by these expeiences
Raised in Gaza he describes the life there, the heartaches, headaches as well as the deep sense of community and family.
Dr.Abuelaish descrives the influencial Israeli's who helped him to see that while there are conflicts between these 2 peoples they are all just human at heart.
As a mother it was difficult reading of this father's anguish and loss of his daughters. But like all things that are good for you, while it makes you uncomfortable it is important that we read and learn from situations such as these.
Even with all the turmoil that Dr. Abuelaish describes, his voice of hope and message of peace is unmistakeable and makes this not just another tragic story but one that can help us all to learn and grow.
I think this book is a blessing and I plan to pass it on and often!
Read it, learn from it and then do something about it!
To begin I have to say that I have never experienced even a fraction of the heartache and pain that Dr.Abuelaish has endured in the course of his life. While some might have become hardened by these expeiences
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Dr. Abuelaish has managed to remain a man of peace and his clear headed voice rings throughout his book.Raised in Gaza he describes the life there, the heartaches, headaches as well as the deep sense of community and family.
Dr.Abuelaish descrives the influencial Israeli's who helped him to see that while there are conflicts between these 2 peoples they are all just human at heart.
As a mother it was difficult reading of this father's anguish and loss of his daughters. But like all things that are good for you, while it makes you uncomfortable it is important that we read and learn from situations such as these.
Even with all the turmoil that Dr. Abuelaish describes, his voice of hope and message of peace is unmistakeable and makes this not just another tragic story but one that can help us all to learn and grow.
I think this book is a blessing and I plan to pass it on and often!
Read it, learn from it and then do something about it!
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Awards
Dayton Literary Peace Prize (Longlist — Nonfiction — 2011)
Palestine Book Award (Shortlist — 2012)
Globe and Mail Top 100 Book (Biography and Memoir — 2010)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2010
Physical description
8.17 inches
ISBN
0802779492 / 9780802779496