I Shall Not Hate

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

By: Izzeldin Abuelaish

Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor

Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's Summary

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)

A story worth reading, but terrible narration

Would you try another book from Izzeldin Abuelaish and/or Patrick Lawlor?

I would not listen to another book by Patrick Lawlor. He had such an edge in his voice that I reacted in a negative way to his presentation when I know I would not have the same reaction had I been reading the same words.

What was one of the most memorable moments of I Shall Not Hate?

The man himself, Izzeldin Abuelaish, is so admirable, and his commitment to peace comes through so clearly, that he gives hope that we can get there eventually. He is a remarkable leader.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

He made the author sound angry all the time, when the author's message was not a message of anger -- but more a message of hope and possibility.

Was I Shall Not Hate worth the listening time?

No -- I love audiobooks, but I wish I had read this book instead.

this guy know what life is really about.

It was the first memoir type book I've ever read. So, that took a little getting used to. This book is powerfully inspirational, and thought provoking. This book will rip your heart to pieces. Then rebuild it to be even stronger... I personally believe our leaders should read this book.

Highly recommend every American to read this book

I highly recommend every American to read this book-as most are oblivious to the ongoing tragedy and horrors that Palestinians ( The Gaza Strip in particular) have to cope with year after year...without hardly any hope in sight.

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.