UIW Welcomed Nobel Peace Prized Nominated Human Rights Advocate
On Monday, Feb. 17, students and faculty gathered in the SEC Ballroom to listen to a lecture given by guest speaker Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish. Abuelaish is an intentionally recognized human rights advocate whose continued work has led him to be a five-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and a recipient of various humanitarian awards.
In January of 2009, Abuelish and his family suffered a tragic loss when three of his daughters were killed when a tank shell struck their home in the Gaza strip. Despite his immense sorrow, he dedicated himself towards advocating for peace, calling for those in the Middel East to stop the violence and bloodshed. Additionally, in honor of his three departed daughters Bessan, Mayar and Aya, Abuelaish established the Daughters for Life Foundation, an organization that advances health and educational opportunities for women and girls in the Middle East.
Today, as a faculty member at the University of Toronto, practicing medical doctor and activist, Abuelaish continues to advocate for peace and educate others on the destructive nature hate has within local communities and on a global scale.
“We need to know each other,” opened Abuelaish. “You should stand for the freedom of all, for dignity of all, for rights of all, for life and for compassion for all. It's not enough just to feel the suffering of others. It's good to feel it, but you need to be responsible for taking action to alleviate the suffering of others and to expose it in this world. Even for you as students, I say this is also your responsibility.”
Abuelaish implored attendees to consider the current state of their local communities, asking them to identify problems that are present, then think of how they themselves can take action to create a better environment for all. He acknowledged that although it may seem overwhelming to be just one person working to tackle multiple problems, he recognized that one person’s desire to make a difference, no matter how big or small, is beyond valuable. He emphasized his confidence that each person in the Ballroom, both students and educators, have the talent, potential and goodwill to make the world a better place.
To demonstrate how powerful one person can be, Abuelaish and Sr. Martha Ann Kirk, CCVI lead a group discussion, encouraging people to gather in groups to consider how they can promote peace and make positive impacts. The Ballroom erupted into conversation as people connected with one another, united in their desire to better the world.
One by one, a number of attendees shared their thoughts on how they can take action. Points were made regarding such concepts as community building through education, advocacy, shared conversations, service initiatives and being brave enough to identify and discuss issues, no matter how uncomfortable they may be.
“We have to build a community together, where we work together, share ideas, celebrate the small victories and work towards making a difference,” expressed one attending student. “Maybe it looks nonexistent, and it takes time to build, but it all begins with creating a place where we come together and stand together as one group.”
After sharing their thoughts, attendees had the opportunity to speak directly with Abuelaish, thanking him for his ongoing work and for taking the time to speak with them directly. To which, Abuelaish left with this concluding message:
“The priority in life is not the past, as it is already gone. The priority in life is the present and the future. You (students) are the present and the future. Keep moving forward, have hope, but most importantly, take action. Actions resonate more, and they can make the difference you want for all of us.”