Nominations have opened for this year’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, which recognizes the achievements of individuals and organizations in promoting human rights. Named after the Soviet scientist and dissident Andrei Sakharov, the prize was established in December 1988 by the European Parliament, with previous winners including Nelson Mandela, Reporters Without Borders and Sudanese human rights lawyer Salih Mahmoud Osman.
This year, I’m nominating Dr Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Gazan gynaecologist and peace campaigner who has devoted his life to providing healthcare for both Palestinians and Israelis. A resident of Jabalia Camp, the largest Palestinian camp in Gaza situated two miles north of Gaza City, Dr Abuelaish became known worldwide when three of his daughters and a niece were killed in an Israeli bomb attack during the offensive in January.
At the time of the attack, the doctor was due to give an interview for an Israeli news channel in his capacity as an already well-respected medical professional. Amazingly, despite the personal tragedy he suffered, Dr Abuelaish continued with the interview, appealing on air for help for his family and revealing the human face of the atrocities occurring in Gaza. Following on from the attack, he created an international foundation called Daughters for Life to promote the education of women and girls, in memory of his daughters.
On a visit to the Parliament earlier this year, Dr Abuelaish impressed everybody who encountered him with his warmth, charisma and humanistic spirit. I’m nominating him for this prestigious prize in recognition of his extraordinary power to turn personal tragedy into the most inspiring commitment to build peace between Israel and Palestine, as well as his admirable work as a doctor and his tireless efforts to promote better education for women and girls.
