‘Have faith, have hope, and take action – the world is waiting for you’

“One can’t do everything in this world, but each of us can do something.”

Those were the words of Palestinian doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish, who was awarded an honorary degree at last week’s Fall Convocation ceremonies.

Abuelaish was born and raised in a refugee camp. He received a scholarship to study medicine in Egypt, and later earned a master’s degree from Harvard.

He founded the Daughters for Life Foundation, which provides scholarships for young women, after three of his daughters were killed during the Gaza War.

His Convocation address, which garnered a standing ovation from the Hamilton Place audience, is below.