Written by Guest Blogger, GSA Account Executive Jeff Lohnes
On Sunday, May 1st, I had the distinct pleasure of hearing three of GSA’s finest – Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, Dr. James Orbinski, and LGen Roméo Dallaire together on one stage discussing the topic “Living with War” at The Globe and Mail Open House Festival. What a treat!
Every so often in our individual lives, the topic of world peace is distantly discussed; whether it be the newest goal for your young child, a specifically terrifying shakeup in our global conundrum, or pageant season on TV. Either way it comes up, we discuss it and quickly put it to bed; its unattainable nature makes it too stressful to keep on the mind and too impossible to tackle. For most of us, the complexity of discussing the topic of world peace simply makes us stop discussing the topic of world peace, yet for these men, they not only discuss it but they have dedicated their lives to making it a reality.
They have come to this crusade for peace from different paths. One, General Dallaire, a military leader whose beliefs have led to a life devoted to peace keeping and whose actions helped shape history. Another, Dr. Orbinski, a physician who spent years offering aid to those in the most dangerous places on earth, and now works towards the prevention of unnecessary injury and death. Finally, Dr. Abuelaish who recognized a calling long ago that hatred is unproductive and unnecessary, and through personal loss has made his campaign global to ensure that people see that hate can never be an answer to any of life’s questions.
Their lives are consumed by this endless struggle to ensure that children born tomorrow can grow up in a world less filled with war, crime and hate as the world is today. In North America, we live wonderful lives, but be assured innocent children born in the other parts of the world desperately need these men and the work they do.
There are many things we can do to help support a peaceful and healthy global future. From offering our time to help support local non-profits that have a far reaching impact, to donating funds to worthy causes, and most importantly and something Dr. Abuelaish will spend every last day encouraging – do not hate. We simply have no reason to hate in our world. Life is too short, the world is too wonderful, we have too many good things to allow ourselves to get caught up in hatred for even a moment.
Though I’ve had the honour of getting to know each of these amazing men over the past few years, still, I was in awe with the rest of the audience as they shared their intertwining stories and brilliantly dissected the questions posed. These three represent our hope for global change and they are willing to do their part to make sure we get there, now we just all need to pitch in and do our part as well.
