Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Palestinian medical doctor is a man of forgiveness, hope and compassion. On the 6th anniversary of his three daughters’ massacre at the hands of the Israelis who bombed his home, this noble physician addressed a large audience at King’s University College in January. Tearfully, he walked us through his journey along the path of indescribable grief and pain to a stance of forgiveness and compassion. Through the lens of today’s bitter world-wide strife and war, he offered a path to peace and presented a challenge to humankind:
- Today’s suffering is man-made.
- War is a genocide and the slavery of humanity. It must be prevented.
- Words and good deeds are stronger than bullets.
- I may have the right to hate but it is a disease of the one who carries it.
- The biggest weapon of mass destruction is hate in people’s hearts.
What can we do to challenge hate and move forward?
- Do not blame.
- The antidote to hatred is success.
- Dig deeper to discover the problem below the hate.
- Don’t ask others to change; change my heart so others can follow me.
- Have faith, hope and ACTION.
- Begin with something I can do to make the world we want for our children.
- Help to relieve poverty which is the biggest enemy of the people.
- Education is the best way to face the mystery of life.
- Support your brother and sister.
- Call upon the potential of the human being.
- All must take action to alleviate the pain.
- Make a difference.
Read more in Dr. Abuelaish’s recently released book, I Shall Not Hate.
Jean Moylan, CSJ