Naseer Aruri, 1934-2015

Al-Shabaka mourns the passing of Naseer Aruri, one of its first Policy Advisors and a dear friend and mentor to many of its network members.

Naseer was born in Jerusalem, Palestine, in 1934 and came to the United States in 1954. A Chancellor Professor of Political Science at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, he dedicated his life and work to justice for the Palestinian people. His expertise on Middle East politics and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East was sought far and wide.

His commitment to justice did not stop at Palestine. Naseer served on the Board of Directors of Amnesty International, USA for many years, and was a member of the Board of Directors of Human Rights Watch / Middle East. He was also a member of the Advisory Board of the International Institute for Criminal Investigations in The Hague.  He testified as an expert witness in U.S. Federal and Canadian Courts in cases dealing with political asylum and deportation.

Naseer was a founding member and twice served as President of the Association of Arab-American University Graduates (AAUG). He was also a former member of the Palestinian National Council.

Naseer always had time to advise and support the many students, friends, and activists who turned to him seeking his wisdom, his time and his generosity. He will be sorely missed. Al-Shabaka extends its condolences to his wife, Joyce, his children and their families.