Gazan Doctor Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize

Dr. Ezzeldeen Abu al-Aish, a Gazan doctor who lost his three daughters to IDF fire during Israel’s offensive in the Strip, has been nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. Abu al-Aish received a letter from the Nobel Committee officially declaring him a nominee for the prestigious award. “I received the news at the end of a meeting with the president of the European parliament while I was visiting Belgium, where I was made an honorary citizen,” he said in a telephone conversation from Canada.”I wouldn’t call my first response joy, personally it is not joyous, but it does encourage me to hope for the two people. This prize will make my tragedy into something positive for the human race. It is a victory for intelligence, a victory for hope for positive change for our two people.”

The doctor said he would dedicate the prize to the simple people on both sides, Israeli and Palestinian, in the event that he won.

Abu al-Aish, who works at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Hashomer, said he had already received praise for his candidacy. “The first to call me was Minister Avishai Braverman. He congratulated me and said I represent us all,” he said.

The physician promised the nomination would not alter his way of life. “I will continue on my path. It may give me more responsibility but it won’t change my faith,” he said.

“Winning the prize will be a direct continuation of my activities in favor of a life of peace between two people… The fact that a simple man such as myself is nominated for such a prize only shows that nothing is impossible. The only impossible thing is my daughters’ return.”

When asked whether he might consider relinquishing medicine in order to enter politics Abu al-Aish said, “Where I find a way to change and help – that’s where I will be. I am willing to sacrifice my private time for this goal, but right now I want to save lives. Medicine brings people together, saves souls, and cures wounds, and this is what we need now.”

{Ynet/Matzav.com Newscenter}