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I Shall Not Hate: A Gaza Doctor's Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity Paperback – January 24, 2012
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NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Search for Common Ground Award
Middle East Institute Award
Finalist, Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought
Stavros Niarchos Prize for Survivorship
Nobel Peace Prize nominee
"A necessary lesson against hatred and revenge" -Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
"In this book, Doctor Abuelaish has expressed a remarkable commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation that describes the foundation for a permanent peace in the Holy Land." -President Jimmy Carter, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
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 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."
- Print length239 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBloomsbury USA
- Publication dateJanuary 24, 2012
- Dimensions5.45 x 0.7 x 8.25 inches
- ISBN-100802779492
- ISBN-13978-0802779496
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“A necessary lesson against hatred and revenge.” ―Elie Wiesel, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
“In this book, Doctor Abuelaish has expressed a remarkable commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation that describes the foundation for a permanent peace in the Holy Land.” ―President Jimmy Carter, Nobel Peace Prize laureate
“A vivid and badly needed account of life in Gaza . . . This portrait of life under siege and privation, and the methods he and other Gazans use to survive their predicament while preserving a sense of sanity and humanity, will be an eye-opener for many readers.” ―The Guardian
“One of the most affecting [books] I have read on the subject of Israel and Palestine....His story is important not only for its message of peace, but for the fact that it personalizes the Palestinian experience.” ―Globe and Mail (Toronto)
“Scrupulously honest... heartfelt, moving and beautifully written in a distinctive voice.... what is most remarkable is that [Abuelaish] is able to convey not only a baseline faith in the human spirit, but hope for the future.” ―Dallas Morning News
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Bloomsbury USA (January 24, 2012)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 239 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0802779492
- ISBN-13 : 978-0802779496
- Item Weight : 8.8 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.45 x 0.7 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #321,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #200 in Historical Middle East Biographies
- #461 in Israel & Palestine History (Books)
- #10,095 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story heartbreaking and emotional. They describe the book as well-written, frank, and eye-opening. Readers praise the author's message of peace and support for it. They find the author an incredible person and role model. The pacing is described as moving and hopeful. Overall, customers praise the authenticity of the book and its message of hope.
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Customers find the story heartbreaking and emotional. They say it provides first-hand insights into the suffering of Palestinians from a deeply personal perspective. The author's story is described as a beautiful example of his faith in seeing a hurting world. It is described as a bittersweet story that advocates hope, education, and peace.
"...It is a story every American, every world citizen should know...." Read more
"...Interesting and informative while also pulling on your heartstrings in hopes of finding peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict...." Read more
"...family's decision to forgo talk that might incite further violence, forgive, and speak overwhelmingly in support of peace, a task made easier, at..." Read more
"...By Izzeldin Abuelaish This book is at the same time an autobiography that parallels the Bible’s Job and the Quran’s أيّوب Ayyūb. It provides..." Read more
Customers find the book well-written and easy to understand. They praise the author's humility and message of hope. The style is simple and not too long, making it a must-read for Americans.
"...It should be read by tolerant people, accepting people and close-minded people in the hopes that they may open their minds and hearts...." Read more
"...I give this book five stars. Well written with great attention given to details...." Read more
"...Students of modern religion will also find this work very readable...." Read more
"...This book is not always well written and could have used more editing or a ghost writer...." Read more
Customers find the narrative style powerful, frank, and unbiased. They describe it as an eye-opening account of life in Gaza. The book is inspirational and reaffirms their faith in humanity. It provides valuable insights into the history of the Gaza Strip.
"...nothing could have prepared me for the breath-taking acts of courage, faith, determination, and love that the Dr. writes of from his personal life..." Read more
"...remind readers that every story, particularly news stories, have multiple viewpoints and all views must be considered...." Read more
"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..." Read more
"It was a good history of the conflict between Palestine and Isreal." Read more
Customers praise the book for its message of peace. They find it a great example of how to stay focused on peace when faced with violence. The author is described as a humanitarian who speaks out for peace and bettering the lives of Palestinians. The book is described as life-affirming and an inspiration for people to work together for peace.
"...your heart to the larger purpose of this book: education, tolerance, peace." Read more
"...A Fatah soldier? Far from it he was a peace loving fertility doctor who treated both Israeli and Palestinian patients with equal care and..." Read more
"...talk that might incite further violence, forgive, and speak overwhelmingly in support of peace, a task made easier, at least for his daughters, by..." Read more
"This book helped me understand the struggle Palestinians face in every day life and their frustration with the current situation...." Read more
Customers enjoy the author's personality. They find him a great role model of peace, love, and intelligence. The book is described as remarkable by readers who appreciate his good heart and common sense approach to getting along with others.
"...It should be read by tolerant people, accepting people and close-minded people in the hopes that they may open their minds and hearts...." Read more
"...'s journey, and at the same time, I am inspired and humbled by this amazing man...." Read more
"...which are exceptional are only a piece of his rich story of a good heart, family and love for his country. May he find peace and happiness ❤️" Read more
"...Dr. Izzeldim Abuelaish is a very special person who had lost his wife from acute leukemia...." Read more
Customers find the book's pacing moving and inspiring. They describe it as one of the most moving, hopeful books they have read.
"...left me speechless on multiple occasions and is by far one of the most moving, hopeful books I have and will ever read...." Read more
"Moving, touching, beautifully written. Dr. Abuelaish is a remarkable man. May God Bless Him -- as Nadia, Bessan, Aya, Mayar...." Read more
"...Life in Gaza is one of deprivation. There is rubble and destroyed building everywhere...." Read more
"Poignant, painful and inspiring." Read more
Customers find the book authentic. They say the report is factual and descriptive without emotionalizing it. The story is described as true, compelling, and honest.
"...The report was quite factual and descriptive without making emotional value judgements...." Read more
"This is a true, compelling story...." Read more
"Honest, Raw, & Necessary..." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2011This is the first time I am writing a review on a book. I love to read, but often, I feel that other reviewers have already done such a good job with their writings about the particular book, that I just read the book and move on.
"I shall not hate" is not a book that one could ever just "read and move on" afterwards.
This book has so deeply impacted and moved me, I had to take a couple days just to be able to collect my thoughts enough to offer this humble review.
I admit that most of what I will say is simply echoing what the other reviewers have said, but I just had to salute and honor Dr. Abuelaish for offering each and every one of us an insight into the limitless possibilities that are borne of hope and faith.
I am an Egyptian-American. I have traveled to Egypt and the Middle East many times in my life. I thought I was already well-informed about the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict. I thought I would be prepared and familiar with what I was about to read.
I was not.
Nothing could have prepared me for the explicit depictions of heart-breaking, abject poverty and soul-crushing, desperate living conditions that Dr. Abuelaish describes from memories of his childhood to the present situation in the Gaza Strip.
At the same time, nothing could have prepared me for the breath-taking acts of courage, faith, determination, and love that the Dr. writes of from his personal life experiences. His responses to challenges and hardships that would easily leave most others permanently scarred with hatred and thoughts of revenge, have touched me (and so many others) profoundly.
I have been committed to supporting a peaceful resolution to the Middle East conflict all of my life, but the constant set-backs in the peace process often leave me feeling despair and frustration.
This book leaves us all vowing to never give up hope that Palestinians (and all people) will someday be afforded the same dignity and respect we are ALL entitled to as children of God. We can and must support this basic right for all people.
Thank you Dr. Abuelaish for sharing your unforgettable story with the world.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2012Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish's book is immensely important in today's world. It is a story every American, every world citizen should know. The tragic and terrible war that he was caught in the middle of has been carried on for centuries. Canaan was the land of the ancestors of the Philistines, which was invaded by the Hebrews. Today the unspeakable conflict continues with support for one side by one world power and support for the other by other world powers. None of these influential countries does much to broker peace, in spite of all the rhetoric. And who suffers? Not the governments, but the people on both sides. The stories of Jewish persecution and diaspora have been full of tragedy and suffering for thousands of years. But so have the sufferings of the Palestinians and their ancestors. Dr. Abuelaish tells us about the suffering of people, innocent people, not extremists, not terrorists, not government officials or rebel leaders, but people. So have the victims of all war and conquest.
In his incomparable novel, All Quiet on the Western Front, Eric Maria Remarque writes the third chapter about this very issue: it is the people, the families, and the young soldiers who suffer, starve, and die violent deaths while the leaders play with wall maps and pins strategizing battles as if they were playing chess. Dr. Abuelaish's book makes the same life-essential point. The people do not cause the wars. People could live peacefully together without the goading and influence of power hungry and religious fanatic leaders.
He makes it terribly clear how innocent families, including his own, suffer unspeakably. Ironically, there is still great and unjustified (and stupid) prejudice against Jews. Yet because of the world situation today, there is an equally great and ugly prejudice against Muslims. This book makes clear that without the greed of officialdom, people of different faiths and cultures could live together peacefully. The hideous cycle could end: oppression breeds rebellion breeds more oppression breeds extremism. And it all ends up with suffering and death.
Izzeldin Abuelaish shows us how, even after the worst could happen to a person, it is still possible to work for peace and good. His story is tragic and magnificent. His story needs to be taught in schools right alongside Elie Wiesel's Night, Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, and yes, Greg Mortensen's Three Cups of Tea. I still believe in him and his work.
This is one of the most important works of the last decade and perhaps a greater span of years. It should be read by tolerant people, accepting people and close-minded people in the hopes that they may open their minds and hearts. Read the book. Finish the book. Open your heart to the larger purpose of this book: education, tolerance, peace.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2012I stayed up till 3:30 am reading this book, tears soaking my pillow. I was watching live on Israeli tv when he was interviewed as half his family was wiped out in an accidental mistargeting of a missile from an Israeli tank in the Gaza war of 2008-2009. It was blood-curdling and something I won't forget. This man has every reason to hate Israelis but doesn't due to his own strong, unshakeable convictions. He is inspiring not only for his belief in peace no matter what happens but his tenacity in following his dreams no matter what. There were sections of this book I simply couldn't read yet: descriptions of his dead daughters' personalities that were just too raw. I didn't want to float out of bed in a sea of tears. Sometime I'll read them as that's a beautiful tribute.
The reason I give the book four stars has nothing to do with the doctor's story: that can't be judged. This is a literary review and as such, I did find one flaw. That is that some sections seemed to be repeated if not in exactly the same words, then very similar. What was repeated was his conviction and belief that hatred is a choice and a self-destructive one. It is an important point, but it doesn't need to be repeated several times.
This book should be required reading by everyone who has the slightest interest in the Israeli-Arab conflict or in humanity itself.
Top reviews from other countries
- ZubinReviewed in the Netherlands on May 26, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars an essential read
This book is an essential read for anyone who is interested in deepening their understanding of the situation in Palestine and Israel. Izelddin Abuelaish is an amazing human being who has managed to rise through prejudice, racism and the death of his 3 daughters and a niece from an Israeli bombing.
- PlaceholderReviewed in India on July 3, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read book
Second hand book. looked, felt & read like brand new. Touching events of a saintly doctor. Must read book.He is One person who should have been awarded the Nobel prize instead of all the dirty politicians who were given that prize. Had it been so, the Nobel prize would have would have attained some of its fast eroding status.
- WolfReviewed in Germany on November 10, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars It's a must read!
Great book!
This true story gives a very personal account of what it is like to be a Palestinian living in the Israeli controlled Gaza strip on a day to day basis.
- Terry Horace BholaReviewed in Italy on March 22, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!!
Glad I bought this book. Never knew how difficult it was and still is in Gaza. Deep story. Very insightful. Great man!!!
- GraampieReviewed in Canada on December 4, 2010
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiration Personified
While trying to avoid cliche's, I cannot avoid recording that this is one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. It needs to be a compulsory text book in every school, even more so for schools in the Middle East which is so torn apart by hatred, anger and frustration. The lack of bitterness of Izzeldin is more than a breath of fresh air - it is the breath of Life. If only there were provision for 10 stars, this book would get it from me. More than ever this book illustrates the terrible truth that much of the cost of war and hatred in the world is engineered by minorities and political leaders with self righteous sadistic tendencies, who have lost the common touch and whose motives are disproportionate revenge rather than reconciliation.
The situation in Israel and Palestine is particularly brutal as it has lasted so long and traversed so many, now embittered, generations. I share with Izzeldin the conviction that the vast majority in the Middle East (and in other trouble spots in the world) want no more than harmony and peaceful co-existence, despite cultural and religious differences. I have now purchased 2 copies of this book just to be used as gifts and to spread the message of peace and reconciliation so exceptionally portrayed in this book.