Palestinian Doctor Calls for Coexistence, Despite Loss

Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Palestinian obstetrician and gynecologist whose three daughters and niece were killed by Israeli fire during the recent Gaza war and who was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize last month, came to Los Angeles not to talk about peace, but to encourage kavod (respect) and shivyon (equality).

On the day his daughters were killed, Abuelaish was at home, the Gaza borders sealed for the duration of the war, he told the audience at Temple Ner Maarav in Encino on April 22. He was on the first floor of the five-story house, which he shares with his brothers and their families, when IDF tanks opened fire, allegedly responding to terrorist gunfire coming from the direction of the house. His daughters—aged 20, 15 and 13—and his 17-year-old niece were killed. Another of his daughters and a son were wounded, along with his brother.

“Let’s leave the talk of peace behind,” said Abuelaish, 53, speaking in Hebrew to an audience of approximately 40 people. “Instead, let’s focus on more realistic goals: working together so that both sides live in equal conditions, with equal rights and with mutual respect.” (For a full interview with Abuelaish, please see ” title=”click here” target=”_blank”>click here.