Hatred is a powerful emotion and one that is the root cause of war, civil conflicts and violence. The world has recently seen the latest example of hatred-inspired violence playing out between Palestinians and Israelis, resulting in the deaths of about 250 people, including 66 children in Gaza. What causes hate? And how could it be prevented?

Today in The Conversation Canada, Izzeldin Abuelaish of the University of Toronto puts forward an interesting concept: hate should be considered a contagious disease and a public health issue so politicians, health care officials and policy makers can focus on ways to prevent it. Dr. Abuelaish, a Palestinian medical doctor who was born and raised in Jabalia Refugee Camp in Gaza, researches health as a vehicle of peace. His insights are based on tremendous personal loss – his three daughters were killed in the Gaza War in 2009.

“Hatred is complex, discrete, involves destructive intent, is contagious to individuals, groups and communities and is often the result of exposure to harm,” he writes.

Also today:

Regards,

Patricia Nicholson

Health + Medicine Editor
A Palestinian protester uses a slingshot during clashes with Israeli soldiers at the northern entrance of the West Bank city of Ramallah on May 21, the day a cease-fire took effect after 11 days of heavy fighting between Israel and Gaza’s Hamas rulers. (AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

Why hatred should be considered a contagious disease

Izzeldin Abuelaish, University of Toronto

Hate-inspired violence is the cause of conflict around the world. It's time to consider hatred as a serious public health issues and even a disease so it can be treated — and possibly prevented.
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Racism & the Americanization of Canadian history: Why we shouldn’t look at ourselves through a U.S. lens

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