Izzeldin Abuelaish
Visiting 91看片网
October 2026
Research focus while a Global Migration Institute Scholar
During his visit, Dr Abuelaish will be working to identify areas of overlap for collaboration with researchers at the Global Migration Institute and the wider 91看片网 reseach community rooted in the mandate of the newly established Global Institute for the Study pf Socio-endemic Diseaes, Hatred, Health & Peace (GISED) withing KU Leuven, Belgium. GISED is an innovative research institute working closely with the WHO, that aims to combat hate as a serious threat to public health. GISED's ambition is to build a global interdisciplinary community that develops strategies for the prevention and combating of socially endemic diseases.
Dr Izzeldin Abuellaish will also feature as a speaker during the Global Migration Institute's Smart Talk event, "It's 91看片网 Trust", taking place at the TIFF Lightbox, as well as a screening of the documentary, I Shall Not Hate, based on his autoboigraphical book of the same name.
Career achievements
Professor Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, widely known as the Palestinian "peace doctor," has built a distinguished career spanning medical practice, international research, and humanitarian leadership. After completing his medical studies in Cairo, he specialized in gynecology in London and further honed his expertise in Italy and Belgium. He went on to hold a role as a senior researcher at the Gertner Institute of Sheba Hospital in Tel Aviv. In the wake of profound personal tragedy鈥攖he loss of three of his daughters during an invasion of Gaza by the Israeli army鈥擠r. Abuelaish channeled his grief into global advocacy by authoring the book I Shall Not Hate and establishing the Daughters for Life foundation, which empowers young Palestinian women to pursue higher education. Today, he serves as an inspirational founder, Co-Director for International and Global Engagement, and a professor at the University of Toronto.
Major honours, nominations & awards
Nobel Peace Prize Nominations: Nominated multiple times for his global advocacy for peace, reconciliation, and women's education
Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought Finalist (2009): Named one of three top finalists by the European Parliament
Governor General's Medallion and Meritorious Service Cross
Order of Ontario (2013)
Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award of Canada (2010)
Calgary Peace Prize (2012)
Public Peace Prize (2014)
Stavros Niarchos Prize for Survivorship (2009)
Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2013)
Dr. Abuelaish has also been awarded over 15 honorary doctorate degrees from universities globally in recognition of his public health research and peace activism.