I Shall Not Hate - Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish

Dr. Abuelaish’s book is incredible in so many ways. He writes about some of the most horrific events in his life that one can only imagine, together with the oppression he has personally experienced and witnessed living in Gaza. Much of his stories are extremely troubling and it is amazing how he has been able to persevere. His book might serve as a 238 page report on the history and status of Gaza in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, though it is also forward-looking and inspirational in terms of what could be if everyone were to move past fear and hatred, and work together toward a bright future of co-existence; of “bridges” as opposed to “barriers”. Dr. Abuelaish’s book is also a gripping story of history, goal-setting, hard work, achievement, triumph, hope, positivity, love, peace, mutual respect, and family values. While reading his book, I was thinking about where I was during each milestone he described, and the "silo of privilege" I have been living in. My own children were coming into the world at some of the worst moments for him and his family. For much of my life I have been ignorant of the ongoing oppression the Palestinian people have experienced and which they still face today in 2021. Dr. Abuelaish confirms much of what I have been reading and watching on documentaries with even greater detail on a personal level. His book is balanced with his love and appreciation of Israeli citizens as much as Palestinians. I believe this book is extremely important for people to read to raise awareness, as the Palestinian side of the conflict often becomes diminished or distorted as the stories move through the news networks.
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