Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish (left) was presented with the 2009 Niarchos Prize for Survivorship for his courageous voice during the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Dr. Abuelaish is a Palestinian obstetrician and gynecologist who treats both Isrealis and Palestinians. During the war in Gaza, his media appearances provided the Israeli public with a rare glimpse of the human cost suffered by residents of Gaza during the attacks.
"Thank you so much. I am honored, privileged and moved to be with you here. I would love for a moment if my parents could come up from their grave, my wife also, my daughters, the Palestinian people in general and the Gazans in particular, to share with me this happy moment, and [know] that they are not alone. They are not suffering but that someone else in this world is thinking of them.
Gaza is a place that is deprived…everything you wish for yourself, for Gazans, say NO. No hope, no life, no work, no employment…nothing is there. But one NO is there – No giving up their rights to live equally in this world as others! As a Palestinian, as a physician who treats patients, whose mission is to save lives, I am coming from Gaza with what happened this winter…this war, this craziness that resulted in more than 1,500 killed innocent civilians, more than 20,000 demolished houses, tens of thousands homeless. The rubble which has been left is more than half a million tons. This is the consequence of this craziness.
16th of January, 2009 I experienced a terrible tragedy. I don't want anyone to experience that tragedy, or any tragedy. I lost three precious daughters and one niece. My daughters, each of them was a special world. I don't want anyone to see what I have seen. Bodies disconnected from heads, drowning in blood. Parts on the ceiling. For what? For nothing they did, being full of love, hope and dreams.
But as a believer of deep faith, [there is] nothing bad from God. What is bad is man made. This tragedy was for God and will continue to be for God. This tragedy will continue to be translated into good things. In memory of my three daughters, a foundation will be established for only girls and women, for health and education. Its time for women to lead and to take the upper hand!
I assure you that this tragedy has strengthened [me], and I am more determined to continue my efforts for the sake of humanity, but I also want you to know that willing is not enough. We must act. It is known that all it takes for evil to survive is for good people like you to do nothing. It is time to do and to act.
I lost three daughters, but I have more – five more with a future. Life is like riding a bicycle – in order to keep your balance you must keep moving. We have to look forward. Darkness can't drive out darkness, only love and respect can drive out darkness. We need to prevent tragedies, not to treat tragedies. To have a better world free of violence, diseases and injustice is to have big and open hearts, minds and eyes. All of us are human beings and all of us are equal. We have to understand and respect each other. That will help us, especially for Palestinians and Isrealis to live in respect. The dignity of Palestinians equals the dignity of Isrealis, and its time to live in partnership and collaboration—there is no way backwards. Thank you so much."
WATCH Dr. Abuelaish's speech [youtube]
See speeches from other 2009 Niarchos Prize honorees:
Nomika Zion - Israel
Albert Gasake - Rwanda
Geraldine Umutesi - Rwanda
Janvier Mujalibu - Rwanda