CONTACT: Mandy Simon, [email protected]
(NEW YORK, NY) – Amnesty International USA was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former board member Naseer Aruri. Born in 1934, he dedicated his life to justice and to advancing the human rights of the Palestinian people and of all individuals around the world. An internationally recognized expert on the Middle East, Naseer was Chancellor Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.
Naseer served on the Amnesty International USA Board of Directors from 1984 to 1990, and was instrumental to Amnesty’s work during the first Palestinian intifada, which began in 1987.
Upon hearing of Naseer’s passing, Board Chair Ann Burroughs issued the following statement:
“The Amnesty family was deeply saddened to learn of Nasser’s passing. He was a true scholar, a champion for human rights, and never afraid to express a minority view. During his six years serving on Board of Directors here at Amnesty International USA, his contributions left an important mark on the work we are doing today.”
Amnesty International USA Executive Director Steven W. Hawkins expressed his sorrow as well, saying:
“Naseer embodied what it means to defend the rights of all human beings, wherever truth and dignity are being deprived. Naseer will be sorely missed, but his connection to this organization will live on.”