Thread by @twitter

For reasons I will never understand, when I was a first year at uni, a middle-aged Doctor from Gaza moved temporarily into the room opposite mine in halls.

We weren't sure what to make of our new neighbour. But after a day, I decided to knock on his door and say hello... 1/🧵

I got a warm greeting from my new friend and we had a long chat about our very different lives in his room.

Halfway through the conversation, we headed to the kitchen and he made thick coffee on the stove, the likes of which I'd never known. I felt the caffeine buzz for hours 2/

I called round several more times and each time, he would answer with a smile and would always keep a box of sweets by the door, which he would offer should anyone call.

He would be staying with us for four weeks while taking a health management course as part of a PhD 3/

He was incredibly proud of being the first Palestinian Doctor to work in Israeli hospitals, and dedicated himself to peace and reconciliation.

After a few chats, he flicked through an incredible photo album - him with Yasser Arafat, Kofi Annan. I realised he was a big deal 4/

While some of the photos were of him and these major political figures, most were of his family, who he clearly missed and adored.

The pride poured out of him when he spoke of his children.

I felt for him, being stuck in Keele with me munching all his Turkish Delight 5/

He was born in the Jabalia Camp in Gaza.

I thought I'd had a rough upbringing in Ellesmere Port, but he'd lived an unimaginably traumatic life because of an occupation and a history that had nothing to do with him.

But there wasn't a single bit of hate or resentment in him 6/

Eventually he returned, and I would remember him from time to time. This was in 2005.

One day in early 2009, I got a call from a uni mate.

"He was on Radio 4 - Izzeldin Abuelaish"

"Oh wow - why?

"I think you need to hear it"

I found it on iPlayer.

I shook as I listened 7/

During the 2008-09 Gaza War, an Israeli tank fired two shells at his home, killing three of his precious daughters - the ones he'd told me all about

He wasn't the enemy. He'd cared for both Palestinians and Israelis daily. The bombs didn't distinguish when they hit his home 8/

So was he on the radio to call for revenge, as many would? Was he now radicalised?

No. He was calling for peace and reconciliation.

He later founded a charity - the "Daughters for Life Foundation."

In 2010, he was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

He is incredible. 9/

When we look with horror at the news each day and ask ourselves how any of this ends, the only answer is through people like Izzeldin.

Intergenerational pain and trauma permeate everything in the region, blinding people to the pain of the other just a few miles away 10/

I also share this story because I wonder how many people like Izzeldin have been blown apart, will be buried under rubble during this latest tragedy.

If only his kind of leadership was being amplified at a time like this. That's the only way that this ends. 11/

This interview from 2011 will tell you much more about this incredible man, the awful things that he experienced and his response.

I hope that one day he'll find a way to bring both sides together over thick stovetop coffee and Turkish Delight 12/end.

theguardian.com/world/2011/jan…

I've found his writing from just a few days ago.

"I am profoundly saddened and extend my deepest condolences to both Palestinians and Israelis who have lost loved ones. Because I know the meaning of loss..."

themedialine.org/news/opinion/d…