Doc Edge 2024: I Shall Not Hate | Interview of Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish

We had the honor of meeting Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and subject of the feature documentary film I Shall Not Hate, directed by Tal Barda and presented at the 19th Doc Edge Festival. Sharing its title with Dr. Abuelaish’s best-selling book, which has been translated into 23 languages, the documentary retraces the life of this Palestinian doctor who worked in Israel before three of his daughters were tragically killed in an Israeli bombing of his home in Gaza in 2009. Choosing the path of justice and reconciliation over vengeance, Dr. Abuelaish embodies a remarkable and humbling quest for peace, notably stating in the film: “If I were certain that my daughters were the last sacrifice on the road to peace between Israelis and Palestinians, then I could accept their deaths.”

The film, which received two awards at the Oscar-qualifying New Zealand festival, including Best Film in the “Bridges of Understanding” category, left a lasting impression during a relatively political edition of the festival. Screened 24 hours after the world premiere of Yariv Mozer’s We Will Dance Again, which chronicles the terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, I Shall Not Hate offered the audience an immersive look into the Palestinian perspective, particularly that of Gazans, who have been surviving under a strict blockade since the Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip in 2005.

During our meeting, Dr. Abuelaish emphasized the importance of his presence in Christchurch, New Zealand, to support the film and shed light on the recent developments in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has been devastatingly lethal for much of his family and people since October 2023.

The pivotal moment in Dr. Abuelaish’s life came on January 16, 2009, during the Gaza War. An Israeli tank shelled his home, killing three of his daughters and a niece. This unimaginable loss could have fueled bitterness and hatred, yet Dr. Abuelaish chose a different path. “To manage violence with violence doesn’t solve the problem,” he reflects, encapsulating his philosophy. “The one who opts for revenge digs two graves.”

In the aftermath of this tragedy, Dr. Abuelaish emerged not as a victim seeking retribution, but as a voice for peace and justice. “If you ask me now about the officer who ordered the bombardment of my house, I wouldn’t seek revenge. What I want is accountability, transparency, and justice. Anyone who makes a mistake or takes action, whether intentional or accidental, must be held accountable. Acknowledgment of what happened is crucial in our world.” He adds: “When I worked in hospitals, whether in Montreal or Paris, I treated patients equally, regardless of their background,” Dr. Abuelaish emphasizes. “Medicine taught me that human life is sacred and must be treated with dignity and respect.”

Regarding Tal Barda’s documentary, I Shall Not Hate, Dr. Abuelaish was adamant that the film reflect his vision authentically. “I insisted on having the final say in the film’s production,” he recalls, “because this is not just my story; it is a human story, a story of Palestinians who suffer silently.”

Reflecting on the broader implications of his advocacy, Dr. Abuelaish underscores the importance of education and empowerment, especially for women. “After my daughters were killed, I wondered: what can I do to keep them alive?” Through the Daughters for Life Foundation, established in memory of his daughters, he champions education for girls across the Middle East and North Africa, irrespective of political divides.

“Education is the beacon guiding us out of darkness. […] It’s not about religion, ethnicity, or nationality. Whether Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Druze, Palestinian, Israeli, Moroccan, or from any other background, we provide opportunities to young women facing social and economic challenges. I understand their struggles firsthand, and it’s a privilege to support them.” He adds: “The Foundation is a tribute to my daughters. […] It aims to empower young women because educated women are the cornerstone of a stable and just society.”

Dr. Abuelaish’s message goes beyond personal tragedy; it challenges the world to confront its biases and preconceptions about the Palestinian people. “Most conflicts stem from ignorance and misinformation,” he asserts. “I want people to see Palestinians not through a lens of prejudice but as human beings with aspirations and dreams.”

“I am here to convey a transformative, positive message about who the Palestinians truly are, not as they are often stereotypically portrayed in distorted narratives. Palestinians are a people with a rich history, culture, and deep roots, and we value human connections. We harbor no hatred towards anyone, and we seek not to erase anyone.” Highlighting the enduring trauma spanning generations, he calls for acknowledgment of Palestinian suffering, rooted not in recent events but in decades of historical struggle. “What we aspire to is recognition, freedom, and independence, and an understanding of the enduring suffering of the Palestinian people, which spans more than seven to eight decades. This is not a recent issue; it has been ongoing. This continuous struggle is what we call trauma.”

His critique extends beyond the immediate conflict to a broader call for global solidarity and accountability. “The world cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Palestinian people,” he insists. “Freedom is a universal right, and until Palestinians are free, none of us truly are.”

In advocating for peace, Dr. Abuelaish confronts political leaders and global institutions with a simple yet profound message: “To manage hatred, we cannot respond with hatred. We must respond with humanity, compassion, and justice.”

His daughters are his driving force. “Believe me, I do this because I believe in it and to send a message—to the world, and to my daughters who rest in peace.” Now living in Toronto, Canada, Dr. Abuelaish visits his daughters’ graves every time he returns to Gaza. Yet, “Even their graves weren’t safe from the IDF’s brutality. They were destroyed recently. It’s tragic—the dead aren’t even safe.”

As he continues to travel the world, presenting the film and sharing his story, Dr. Abuelaish remains committed to his belief that change is possible. “We each have a role to play in creating a more peaceful world,” he affirms. “It begins with understanding, empathy, and a commitment to justice.”

In a world divided by conflict and distrust, Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish’s humbling journey stands as a testament to the enduring power of hope. Through his words and actions, he reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the human spirit can prevail, offering a path forward towards reconciliation and peace.

We are thrilled to be covering Doc Edge 2024 on the ground in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand. Explore our exclusive coverage here.