Children are the best peacemakers in the Middle East

[Violet_Crumble]

For the sake of my dead daughters, I will never cease striving for peace

Izzeldin Abuelaish
The Observer
Sunday 24 April 2011

I always feel great joy every time I deliver a baby. To hear that first cry gives me hope because a new person has been born, a new chance at life. There will be a fresh pair of eyes to see the world and, I hope, see it in a better way.

The world is filled with conflict and the conflict does not seem to end. In the delivery room, the conflict of painful labour comes to an end as a mother delivers a baby and holds him or her in her arms. The cause of her pain is handed to her and she views the baby as a gift.

As I continue to follow news about ongoing tensions between Palestinians and Israelis in Jerusalem and Gaza, I am reminded all the more of the children caught within this conflict. Having worked in Palestine and Israel, I know there is no difference between Israeli parents and Palestinian parents. Both instinctively protect their child. But in times of conflict, both must learn to understand this need about one another.

Some view my lawsuit against the state of Israel sceptically. For two years, I have waited patiently and worked tirelessly to get Israel to admit responsibility for the killing of my daughters, aged 20, 15 and 14, coupled with an apology. Instead of hope, I was presented with denial and attempts to justify their killings.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2011/apr/24/israel-gaza-children-peacemakers

[oberliner]

1. This man is an inspiration

I would love to have the chance to hear him speak in person.

[LeftishBrit]

2. Thank you for posting. A very inspiring and moving article.

People may be interested in the foundation that he has set up in memory of his daughters:

http://www.daughtersforlife.com/memorial/

[Violet_Crumble]

3. I agree. It's a really inspiring article...

Thanks for posting the link to the foundation. I stumbled across it a few days ago and think it's really moving...

[ave]

4. Touching memorial site

for his daughters.

[ave]

5. Dr. Abuelaish speaks at a TED event

in a video linked to at the end of the article.

In case anyone missed it:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/tedx/dr-izzeldin-abuelaish-gaze-doctor-journey

[Violet_Crumble]

6. That video is amazing...

He's an incredible person. I don't know of many people who can suffer such deep personal tragedy and turn their own tragedy into something so inspiring and full of hope for the future...

[oberliner]

7. Agreed

Well worth a listen/watch.