I Shall Not Hate

A Gaza Doctor's Journey on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity

By: Izzeldin Abuelaish

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish - now known simply as the "Gaza doctor" - captured hearts and headlines around the world in the aftermath of horrific tragedy: On January 16, 2009, Israeli shells hit his home in the Gaza Strip, killing three of his daughters and his niece. By turns inspiring and heartbreaking, hopeful and horrifying, I Shall Not Hate is Abuelaish's account of an extraordinary life.

A Palestinian doctor with a degree from Harvard who was born and raised in a refugee camp in the Gaza Strip and "who has devoted his life to medicine and reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians" (The 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. 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."

©2010 Izzeldin Abuelaish (P)2011 Tantor

Critic reviews

"In this impassioned, committed attempt to show the reader life on the sliver of land that is Gaza, he demonstrates that '[a]nger is not the same as hate.'" ( Publishers Weekly)

POV from a Doctor from Gaza who worked in Israel, an Incredible story of Forgiveness and hope

Dr. Abuelaish tells his incredible story of life in Gaza, from growing up in a refugee camp to becoming a family man and respected doctor working in Israel. It's a powerful story about the trials and tragedies in Gaza and his undying mission to peace. I Shall Not Hate, is more than a title. it's his life. Everyone should read this book.

Unparalleled storytelling of kindness and compassion despite all odds

A must read for everyone right now, and the lessons can be used to reflect on more than just Gaza.

Inspiring and Emotional

It's hard to believe someone who has been through so much, could remain so loving and peaceful. Exposes the lie that is so often perpetuated about certain religions being only about love or hate. Goes to show that "faith/belief in God" can be radicalized to the point of violence and hatred OR can be what they profess to be...about love and tolerance. The proof is in a person's actions, and Dr. Abuelaish does a great service to Islam, Judaism, and the Palestinians and Jews involved in a bitter struggle for freedom.

Great book

This is the tragic story of a good man. Describing the daily life in Gaza (a Palestinian refugee camp), with hardly any international recognition, left to the will of the State of Israel. Going from violent incidents, to revolts, to chronically brutal wars, with strangely no end in sight. Dr. Abuelaish seems to have here a strong message for the “silent” world.

Hope has become a little bigger

My hope in humanity has become a bit bigger because of this father’s recounting the life and events leading to the death of his family members. As a parent I can’t imagine the turmoil Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish has lived through and has still carried forward the message that love and peace is possible, even among abject horror and despair. A valuable and poignant, first hand perspective.