I Shall Not Hate
Film screening and Q&A with director and producer Tal Barda
The film follows Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, a Canadian-Palestinian physician who grew up in Gaza’s Jabaliya refugee camp. He became the first Palestinian doctor to work in an Israeli hospital, delivering babies across national lines. In 2009, during an Israeli military operation, three of his daughters were killed by a tank shell. In the face of this unimaginable loss, Dr. Abuelaish made the decision not to respond with hatred.
Instead, he turned to advocacy, becoming a global voice for peace and reconciliation. He has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, quoted by President Obama, and recognized around the world for his commitment to healing and dialogue. The film traces Dr. Abuelaish’s journey from Gaza to Toronto, and eventually to the Israeli Supreme Court. Along the way, it highlights the complexity of seeking justice after personal loss, the challenges of accountability within ongoing conflict, and the fragile but vital possibility of coexistence.