Condolences

 

The Al Ghussein family would like to thank all of those who have sent their kind words of condolences, celebrating the memory of a great man whose presence will be sadly missed by all. Many messages have been received today which continue to pour in the family will try to do their best to get back to everyone.

The family greatly appreciates your messages that you can email to monabauwens@btinternet.com. 

MR JAWEED AL-GHUSSEIN, ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER OF THE NEXT CENTURY FOUNDATION, DIED LATE LAST NIGHT

Jaweed Al-Ghussein was one of the founders of the Next Century Foundation and has been a longstanding advocate for peace and reconciliation.

Jaweed was a key pillar of the PLO in the early days and was regarded by many as Yasser Arafat's right-hand man.

He was treasurer of the Palestinian National Fund for many years and served on the PLO Central Committee. He famously argued that Palestinian Jerusalemites should exercise their vote in the Jerusalem elections, losing the argument in the Central Committee by just one vote. Had Jaweed won the day, Teddy Kolek would have been bolstered by the Palestinian vote and would have served another term as mayor and much would have been different.

Jaweed helped establish the Next Century Foundation following a conversation with the late Claud Morris, the founder of the NCF, about their profound belief that a private forum must be created at which views could be exchanged in private between Israelis and Palestinians concerned to see peace in the Middle East. So earnest was he in this regard that he provided the initial core funding.

Later Jaweed split with President Arafat over the latter's support for Saddam Hussein during the invasion of Kuwait, an act for which President Arafat always bore a grudge. The bitterness between the two men reached such a pitch that it culminated in the high profile kidnapping of Jaweed in Abu Dhabi from whence he was taken to Gaza and imprisoned. No charges were ever laid against Jaweed though unsubstantiated allegations of financial irregularity from his days at the Palestinian Fund were circulated. During this period the NCF sent a number of emissaries to Gaza to solicit Jaweed's release, all to no avail. His case was taken up by the UN working group on Arbitrary Detention which determined that there was "manifestly no legal justification" for his imprisonment. His health deteriorated to such a degree in captivity in Gaza that he was thought to be dying and he was removed to hospital in Cairo. Efforts were made to facilitate his escape to the West but he was then snatched back to Gaza from the Palestine Hospital in Cairo once it became clear his health was improving. His health then deteriorated further and his continued imprisonment became an embarrassment. It was agreed that he be moved to hospital in Jerusalem. There Jaweed made a partial recovery and he was then able to leave for the West. He took up residence in London and enjoyed intermittent good health though he never fully recovered from the effects of his Gaza captivity.

He died late last night and is survived by his daughter Mona, his son Tawfiq, and his wife Khalida. He will be sorely missed.

From the Next Century Foundation.

Chiho Miyauchi (Mrs)
Second Middle East Division, Ministry of Foreign Affair

Dear Mona,

It's been longtime since I left London.
I was deeply saddened to learn your father's passing away last month.
He was a very gentle man and kind to me and others too.
I still remember your father's reaction when I said to you " It's a shame
to smoke in front of your father" at the garden in Sussex.
He smiled wryly and said "it cannot be helped because she was brought up
in Europe not in the Middle East". I liked him so much. He is a man of
conscience.

And there came another loss in Palestine at last weekend. Mahmood Darwish,
such a great poet.
Palestine has lost two great figures within a month. It is a pitty, a big
pitty.

MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FATHER AND MAHMOOD DARWISH

I hope you and your family will overcome the saddness and the emptiness
very soon.
My deepest codolences

Chiho

Omar AL Askari

I extend my deepest condolences on your loss. May god give you, Tawfiq Muna, the whole family the strength through this difficult time



David Rose
Jaweed..Rest in Peace

Comments: I am a buisness man in the Midlands.When I was just starting out I had the fortune to meet with the Alghussein family some 16 years ago.Through them I was able to understand something about the Palestinians. Not easy for anyone in the Midlands..but I knew that what they were doing,bringing knowledge by Planting Trees for Peace throughout the World must help understanding.I helped to support those who fought for Jaweed when he was kidnapped...and when he was finally released after his second kidnapping I was able to offer my help to the family.I have written to MP's and Kim Howell Minister of State and I would like my comments forwarded to Abu Dhabi. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND ANY OF MY CLIENTS TO INVEST IN ABU DHABI AS IT IS UNSAFE. Please use this message to communicate the  facts.



Joe Kechichian

Dear Mona,

The entire family is in our prayers but especially Khalidah who has lost her lifelong companion.  Fortunately, her 2 children and granddaughter are near to comfort her at this difficult time, which will become more bearable as time goes.  Please tell "our" mom how much we love her and stand by her even from a very long distance.  We will hopefully see each other one of these days.  In the meantime, focus on the good memories with your great dad, who will always remain a role model of integrity, having lived among those who abhor honesty and disparage loyalty.  He was different and taught me, at least, that honor and faithfulness were qualities to practice.

Best...

Joe






Bienot Faucon

Dear Mona,

It takes bravery to make peace much more than to make war. If anyone had this bravery, it would have been Jaweed.
Because it takes more strength and courage to forgive than to pour the salt in the wound.
Long before it became fashionable, Jaweed was one of the few within the PLO to extend his hand to the Israelis -paving the way for Oslo. With the Next Century Foundation, he has sown the seeds for the resolution of the conflicts to come.
I remember one of our last conversations, where he said we should recognize Hamas' victory because the movement was democratically elected -again one of the few among to embrace this position among pro-peace Palestinians. Today, both Abbas and the Israelis understand the need to engage with Hamas.
I was always amazed at how, his body failing him, his thinking never lost his limpid and forceful flow.
There are times when I blamed Arafat for what Jaweed was enduring. Had Arafat not abducted him for a year, he would have suffered less.
And yet, Jaweed impressed me with the wisdom with which he spokes of his ordeal. He distinguished between Arafat -the man who took him, his old friend, a prisoner to serve his own interests- and Arafat -the man who could be affectionate and tender. It was not weakness from Jaweed; it was strength, the ability to see through the two of them -the two Arafats.
I am going to miss Jaweed, his hospitality, his warmth and his eloquence -the qualities of a true Palestinian.
I just wanted to thank you for inviting me to bid farewell to Jaweed.
And I am grateful you offered me the chance to know this great man.

Hani Findakly

He was a good man. May he rest in peace, and may you and your mom get solace from the many friends who share in your hour of grief.

Jihan Husseini

I feel sorry. I am very sad. God bless his soul and rest in peace.

Ahmad Samih Khalidi and family.

On behalf of my family and myself please accept our deepest condolences for the passing of your dear father. He will always remain a symbol of integrity and patriotism for all Palestinians and his courageous voice will be severely missed in an era when we have lost the generation of founding fathers that he represented so well. Mat god rest his soul and may he may be with you in these most testing of times.

Inna Lillah wa inna ilayhi rajioun.
Our hearts are with you.

Stephen Waldorf

My deepest condolences. Be strong.

Iman Al Sabah

May god bless his soul. I will miss him very very much

Joseph Landers
I was very saddened to hear of your fathers passing, he was a great man that I consider myself honoured to have met and spoken to. These must obviously be hard times for you and the family and I would like to offer my deepest condolences to you all.

Sheik Nahyan Al Nahyan

My deepest condolences to you and the family. May god bless his soul

Sheik Mubarak Al Sabah

Our deep condolences for your father. We are going to miss him.

Raymond Ralf

I am very sorry to about the sad loss of your dear father. Please accept my deepest sympathy condolences. May god rest his soul. He will always be remembered by all those who have known him with respect and high esteem. I met him only once but I really cherish that time, he is unforgettable person. Also please extend my profound condolences to your mother. I know how hard it is to lose a life partner. We will pray to god to surround you all with peace and mercy.

The Khayyal Family

We learned with profound sorrow of the death of Khalo Jaweed Al-Ghussein. May his soul find peace and tranquilly and everlasting joy on his journey beyond. Khalo Jaweed was a remarkable man who was a Master Builder in the truest sense. He touched and transformed many lives, building structures, and living environments for the better. He also championed the Palestinian cause throughout his career as well as the pursuit for fundamental human rights, freedom and just solution for achieving peace. He was a giant who was one of the finest in his generation. We salute him as one of the kindest, humble individuals who did so much good, and gave the world his best. He will be dearly missed and will always remain in our hearts. He was a great friend and a great man.

We hope that justice will be served for his Kafkaesque plight!

On behalf of the Khayyal family please accept our very deepest sympathy and best wishes. We can well appreciate what a great loss this must be to all of you. We hope that time will quickly soften the blow and leave you only cherished memories. With deepest sympathy to you all and all your family.

Annie Morris

Just saw obit in the Daily Telegraph about Jaweed. What a life. I know he has had a challenging few years with health and it must have been diffcult for Mona. I know how very much she loved and adored her father. My condolences.



Pat Morris.

I am so sorry to hear your sad news. My heart goes to you. I am sure you must know how much Claud valued his friendship with your father who was such a brave courageous soul. What a wonderful heritage he left you. Loyalty, faith, wisdom adherence to the path of justice. These were his banners, his standards which are now in your hands. His love for you and his family will strengthen you through these difficult days

Jaffar and Sandra Rimmini

All will be genuinely moved by his passing because Jaweed was a man who affected all of us who were lucky enough to meet him. A giant amongst men. We are all sad to lose him


Marylyn Yacoub Bassima and Philppa Al-Ghussein

All our love and deepest sympathies.

Rebecca Simon Steven Cassie and Alexis

You are in our thoughts at the time of your sad loss

Zia

Incredibly sad to hear of Jaweed passing. Our thoughts go out to you and your family. May strength and courage be with you as you pass through thse diffcult days

Zein Adam Lara El Guindi Baring

With deepest sympathy and fond memories for your loss. Our thoughts are with you in thse diffcult times


Louay Tawfik Al Swaidi

Your father was an old and dear friend of mine, and his death is a great loss to his country and to all his friends and family. In this instance, I share your sorrowful moments, and convey my deepest condolences to you and the family and pray to God to give you more strength to cope with the loss of such a special and wonderful man.

Samer and Farah Judeh

It was with extreme sadness that we recived the news of Abu Tawfiq. We pray to God Almighty to bless his soul and give you all the strength and patience through thse diffcult times… Allah Yirhamo

Youssef Abu-Zannad

We send you all on behalf of all Abuzannad family our deepest condolences and sorrows for the death of the late Jaweed the head of the Al-Ghussein family. Regards to all the family.

Tanya Warburg
I was sorry to read of your father’s death in the Daily Telegraph and wanted to say I have been thinking of you. Please pass my condolences and best wishes.

Ted Willis

Remembering you, your family and dear Jaweed whose friendship I shall always treasure since first meeting him in Abu Dhabi 1968. Thinking of you

Kojo Amoo-Gottfried
Jaweed your father is a good man-the salt of the earth. I am glad to know that the campaign and the documentary on Jaweed abduction is going thorough.

Cecilia Faber

Jaweed Al-Ghussein made a life by being generous and giving of himself to his family friends and the Palestinian cause and those in need. The likes of him will be sorely missed by all whose lives he touches. A gentle man has returned to heaven. Please accept my deepest sympathy and prayers.

June Jacobs

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and all your family at the loss of a remarkable man for whom there has always been great affection

DB and Nicky

Nicky and I were so sad to hear the sad news of your wonderful father. He was a man of style, elegance and charm and will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Hans and Jone Ashbourne

What very sad news greeted us this morning from the pages of the Daily Telegraph. How awful for you and your family to lose your rather splendid father and by all accounts and ornament to the sate of Palestine. We remember well your efforts on his behalf, your courage and loyalty to this remarkable man. Our prayers are very much with you and our sympathies for your loss. Why is that the good always go first?


Raouf Kobessi
Good people don’t die, they live as long as we live and forever. Mona I know u. just be strong and that is how your dad always wanted u to be. July 1

William and Veronica Morris
We are both deeply moved at the news of the loss of your father. One of the greatest men of his generation. I have always cherished Jaweed’s wisdom and good heart. It has been a privilege to know him. With our love

Othman al Omeir
Condolences

Richard Sheaves
I will miss him too

Liz Brewer
I am so sorry. It has been a long road and your strength kept him going this long. He was a wonderful man a you a wonderful daughter. My thoughts are with you

Adam Ciralsky
I am so sorry you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers


Abed Huneidi
I am deeply sorry. Sincerest condolences

Joe Kechichian
Juliet and I are deeply saddened by this news but join Khalida, Tawfiq, Soraya and you in praying for his eternal rest.  Jaweed was like a father to me and we will all miss him.  Please accept my most sincere condolences and remember that we are thinking of you at this difficult time.


Zaki Nussiebeh

I am deeply sad. He was a great man. May he rest in eternal peace. His memory will live with us for evermore.

Camilla Sheaves

Hey Mona I am sorry about your dad. My greatest condolences to you and your family. He was a brilliant man and despite the difficulties lived a great life

Zein Baring

So sorry to hear your news. My condolences to you all. Will call later to discuss best time to come round

Cecilia
I am so sorry. When is the funeral? Is there anything I can do to help? Let me know. Let me know when and where I will be there.

Adel Darwish

Dear Mona Tawfiq. My deepest condolences. As I express sorrow for the loss of a dear friend and a great man. Will call late to get details.

Canon Andrew White

I am devastated to hear the news of your dear father. Oh what a wonderful man.

Mutai and Sahar Huenidi Haya Al-Ghussein

Dear Mona and Tawfiq. So sorry to learn about Ammo Jaweed passing away. He crossed over to a better place. Wish we were with you to support you at such a time. thinking of you all.

Hatim Oweida

I am so sorry to hear this news. Allah urhamo. God bless his soul.

Sari Nussiebeh.
He was a great man with vision and compassion. Our deepest condolences. Let us indeed hope that things will be put right.

Jonathan Fryer
So sorry to hear that. Sincere sympathy.

Jason Macue
I am so sorry. He was a great gent. My thoughts are with you all.

Khalid and Ghada Bazzi.
Our deepest sympathy let me know when we can come.

Hugh Colver
Mona I am  so very sorry. Is there anything I can do? My thoughts are with you.


Jason Al Ghussein
Mona,

this is such sad news to hear. i am so happy that i was able to come and see you all last year and visit. please send my love to everyone. especially aunty Khaleda.

-Jason

Jill Samuels
My Dear Mona,

Please let me know arrangements and what I am able to attend. I was so fond of your father. I last saw him at the hospital a while ago. My thoughts are with you, your mother and brother and your daughter. I wish you strength during this period of your lives. Please do let me know what would be appropriate for me to attend. Jill

Ed Davis
Dear Mona,
I am so sorry but I am certain it was a blessing for him that you were there.
With love,
Ed

Dr Mustafa Abdul-Shafi
- Dear Mona:
- Very sorry for the sad news; my condolences to you and the whole family.  Allah yirhamak ya Jaweed!
- Sincerely, Mustafa.


Peter and Louise Sheaves
Mona, just got a message about your father. Sorry to hear of your sad loss and condolences to your family. We hope it was peaceful. Peter and Louise

Nagi
I am very sorry about your father

Lord Andrew Stone
I am so sorry … I won’t disturb you now … but let me know the arrangements … I’m sending you much love and sympathy

Joanna Wood
Hi Mona. I am really sorry to hear about your dad. Our thoughts are with you and your family. See you soon. Love Joanna and Steve.

David Watson
Oh darling, I am sorry to hear that. Your Dad was a force for good in a sometimes horrid world. I hope he wasn’t in pain and that you’re bearing up.

Nehad Ismail
Devastated by the loss of a wonderful friend. Will miss him terribly.

Richard Palmer
I am so sorry Mona. I am on a train with very bad phone reception so it is difficult to call. Please pass on my condolences to all of you family. If there is anything I can do to help please let me know. Thinking of you.

HE Ambassador. Prof. Manuel Hassassian
Palestinian General Delegation
We have been greatly saddened by the tragic news of the death of Mr. Jaweed Al-Chussein.  Allow me to bid my condolences and that of the entire personnel at the Palestinian General Delegation.

All we can do is pray for his soul.  May the Almighty God give you all the strength and stead fastness believing that he will be meeting his creator, who will reward him for his good deeds and in particular what he has done for his people.


أنـــا للـــه وأنــــا اليــــه راجعــــون


Salah ELBADRI (Toronto, Canada)

Dear Mona,

It is with great sadness that I received the news of the passing of Ammo Jaweed Al Ghussein. Our heartfelt condolences go out to you, Auntie Khalida, Tawfiq, Soraya and all his family. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Dr. Ibrahim M. Oweiss
Dear Khalida, Mona, Tawfiq and Soraya,

Céline joins me in conveying our heartfelt condolences upon the departure of Jaweed from this earthly world. May God Almighty bestow mercy upon his soul and bestow comfort upon you. I am proud and honored to have been his friend for the last forty years.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.


Anton La Guardia
Dear Mona,
I was very saddened to hear about your father's death. I hope his work for a just peace will one day be realised.

Yours,
Anton

Lord Brennan
My deep condolences to you and the family
Lord Brennan

Tony Klug
Dear Mona,
I was terribly upset to learn of the passing of you Dad. I remember our few
conversations at your home very well.
Please accept my deepest commiserations.
Unfortunately, I shall be in Newcastle on Friday. Otherwise, I would have
planned to attend his funeral.
Please pass on my sincere regrets to your mother and brother.
Best wishes,
Tony

Jaimon Thomas
Dear Mona,
I am sorry to hear this and deeply saddened by the news. My deepest condolences and prayers.
Kind regards,

Jaimon Thomas

Jihad Al Wazir
Dear Mona,

I'm sorry to hear about the sad news. We had great respect and love for your father. Please accept my and the family's deepest condolences and respects.

Jihad

Ahron Bregman
Dear Mona,
Thanks for letting me know. I'm very sad to hear the news.
Be strong.
Ahron XXX

Ben Haim Oded
Mona

I was saddened to hear that your beloved FATHER
passes away.

Please accept my deepest and sincere condolences
to you and your family.

May you will not have sorrow any more.

Oded

Farnaz Al Saadi
Thinking of you. I know god gives us strength to cope at times like this. Kiss your mum
Fuzzy

Karim and Nada Makram
Thinking of you all today. Our hears and minds are with you even though we cant be there with you physically. Love you

Nada and Karim

Stephanie and Christian Hook.
Wishing you all the best for today. I grieve that I cannot be there in body but I shall be with you in spirit, in mind and prayer. Please pass this on to your family with all our love. The Hook family united in your grief.

Antoine Asmar
Am so sad to hear this bad news about ammo. I tried calling you yesterday from Lebanon. Please give a kiss to Tante Khalida.
Be strong

Antoine

David Sassoon.
I am very saddened and sorry to hear about your loss. We lost a truly hones and special man of which there are not many. My sincere condolences to you and your family

David

Gayth Armanazi
Mona tried to call you from airport a few minutes ago. So sorry about your dad. Please pass condolences to mother and Tawfiq. May his soul rest in peace
Gayth

Nayef Awatef
My deepest sympathies and thoughts to you and the rest of the family

Nayef

Dr. Hossam Essam El-Ghoussein and brothers ( Hatem, Wassem & Dia )
Dear Mona and family,
We are very saddened by the news as we are sure all of free people all over the world are.Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you.
Only God can give you peace and the will to carry on that you need during this most sad time in your life.And I am sure that you have so many happy memories to recall.
Sincerely

Janis and Barb

Dearest Mona,
                  Please give our luv and saddess to your family at the loss of Jaweed.He was a Great man and it was and is a privaledge to help bring Justice4 Jaweed. Let us hope the cowards who denied him that Justice in his life will give it  to the family with his passing. The fight goes on.
                                       Luv..as ever,
                                Janis and Barb.



The Dawoud family

Dear Mona, Tayta, Tawfiq and Soraya,
we are so so sorry to have lost jiddu "allah yerhamu", myself and my family are all ready to help if there is anything we can do. deepest condoleces,
Iman, Sharif, Vanessa and Hamed

Emma Markgsy

Dear Soraya,

I am so sorry to hear about your grandfather passing away. From reading articles concerning him on the internet and the many comments on his website, he will always be regarded as a great and deeply loved man.

Emails are such a terribly impersonal way of communicating these sorts of things, but I hope this doesn't come across as too formal and impersonal. Sincerely, if there is anything that can be done to help at all, please do say.

I will hopefully see you again soon back at work.

You are in my prayers,

Love Emma x

Omar Khaled
Dear Soraya,

Please accept my deepest condolences. Just read the newspaper in Abu Dhabi this morning and heard the sad news. Kindly accept me and my family's warmest wishes and prayers to you, your mum, and your uncle Tawfiq.

May God rest his soul in peace.

Omar M. Khaled

Hello dear Muna
So sad to hear about the death of your father. God bless his soul. Hope you will be compensated always by the memory of the great relationship you had with him. I felt this great relationship when I saw you in December and by then invite me to see him. I want to tell you please collect the articles, which are published about him and make a book or ask friends to write. Personally I have not had the honor of seeing your father but I read about him through the press. I told you this when I saw you in Dec 2007. Please tell me what I can do to stand beside you and assist regardless of the scope of my assistance. If you are in a mood to answer please do if not please give me a chance later, god bless you dear and Allah maak

Professor Dr Saad Abudayeh

Saad Alami
Dear Amto Khalida,
Dear Mona,
Dear Tawfiq and Soraya

Those are very, very sad news. Amo Jaweed was an exceptional man with unequaled
character and nobility. He always had a clear focus on the important things in
life. I always enjoyed his company very much, he will be sorely missed. Our
family’s thoughts and prayers are with you.

I am sure that you are very busy at this moment, since Amo Jaweed was very well
known and loved throughout the Arab and occidental world. But If I can do
anything at all, please let me know immediately.

Always there for you.

Saad