Jaweed Al Ghussein 18th July 1930 - 1st July 2008


Jaweed Al Ghussein has sadly passed away, July 1st 2008, surrounded by his family at home in London



A legacy to the Palestinian People from Jaweed Al Ghussein.

Humanist and Statesman 


Mr. Al-Ghussein born in Palestine 1930 in Gaza into one of the prominent Palestinian families. He died July 1 2008 at home in London . A Palestinian refugee after 1948, he graduated from the American University in Cairo and built up a construction and engineering company based  in Abu Dhabi with his family from 1966.
A visionary referred to in the Arab press as the ‘Nelson Mandela of the Middle East’ he called for peaceful co-existent with Israel. He was a well-known Palestinian recognized in the region for his advocacy of promoting peace and understanding through dialogue and was the co-founder of the Next Century Foundation, a British NGO created specifically for promoting interaction between adversaries. Jaweed was elected as an independent by the Palestine National Council (PNC) in 1984 in Amman Jordan to head the Palestine National Fund (PNF). As Chairman of the PNF he sat on the Executive Committee Palestine liberation organization (PLO). He held the post till 1996 when he publicly resigned calling for ‘transparency accountability and the rule of law.
A philanthropist and large benefactor to Palestinian causes and charities. A passionate believer in education he personally funded the education of many Palestinians and supported many Palestinians ensuring they had health care and hope for the future. A friend of Arafat’ since their student days in Cairo, Al Ghussein never compromised his principles and his commitment to the Palestinian cause or people. Committed to a Palestinian state he has devoted his life behind the scenes in the international arena promoting conciliation and justice for the Palestinian people.

This site will be moving to another location shortly and we will update you. The new site will be the legacy of Jaweed Al –Ghussein to the Palestinian People.  It will be a celebration of his extraordinary life and his deep and abiding love to the country of his birth. His commitment to the cause and the struggle and his vision for co-existence.

The new site will have archives, current affairs vIdeos Broadcasts and commentary. We hope you will visit us when its up and running!

Coming soon. The extraordinary story of Jaweed Al –Ghussein. His achievements his vision and his contribution to the Palestinian cause and the Arabs. A story of triumph over adversity. A story about honour principal and a love for equity for all.



OBITUARIES

THE INDEPENDENT

AUGUST 27 2008

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/jaweed-alghussein-plo-treasurer-kidnapped-by-arafat-909610.html?action=Email


THE GUARDIAN:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/11/israelandthepalestinians.middleeast

DAILY TELEGRAPH
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/2236709/Jaweed-al-Ghussein.html


AARAM NEWS have paid tribute to Jaweed Al Ghussein and his life in today's publication. Please visit:
http://aaramnews.com/website/44926NewsArticle.html

ammonnews.net  A Street should be named after Jaweed Al-Ghussein
http://www.elaph.com/ElaphWeb/AsdaElaph/2008/7/345241.htm



CONDOLENCES


The Al Ghussein family would like to thank all of those who have sent their kind words of condolences, honouring the memory of a great man whose presence will be sadly missed by all. The family greatly appreciates your messages that you can email to monabauwens@btinternet.com. Many messages have been received today which continue to pour in the family will try to do their best to get back to everyone.




Maggie Thorpe

My dear Mona
 
I heard the sad news about your dad when I read the obits in the papers but I didn't know how to get in contact with you and your mum until I found your web site, so I apologise for the lateness in contacting you.
 
Your dad was one of the great Gentlemen in my life and I capitalise the word intentionally.  I will never forget his warmth and the way his eyes sparkled when he was surrounded by friends and family.  I had some tremendously happy times in your house.  He made everybody who walked into his home feel as though they were the guest of honour.  Please give your mum a hug from me, and I send a kiss to you my lovely friend, I do miss you.
 
With Love

Maggie



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

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


VISIT OUR 'JUSTICE 4 JAWEED' CAMPAIGN AND ADD YOUR COMMENTS.
Click Here:

http://www.alghussein-bauwens.com/7.html

Subject: Abu-Dhabi. The Inhumanity behind the Facade
Author:  mbauwens SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION. A NEW SITE IS SHORTLY COMING THAT WILL BE INTERACTIVE WITH NEWS, UPDATES, COMPREHENSIVE DETAILS OF THE ABDUCTIONS.







CLICK HERE TO READ THE LATEST INTERVIEW WITH JAWEED AL-GHUSSEIN 5 MAY 2008:
http://www.aaramnews.com/website/42027NewsArticle.html

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A TRAILER FOR A NEW AL JAZEERA DOCUMENTARY ABOUT JAWEED AL GHUSSEIN: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlLGLSZdq9k

CLICK HERE TO VIEW STEPHEN DESMOND ON IRISH TELEVISION DISCUSSING HIS UPCOMING FILM "The Jaweed Al Ghussein Story":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNQlyccq9Gc

CLICK HERE TO READ STEPHEN DESMOND WRITING ABOUT JAWEED AL GHUSSEIN IN THE TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT: DOCUMENTING INJUSTICE--OCTOBER 2007

READ MORE ON THE WEBPAGES OF THE CENTRE FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION JOURNALISM:
http://www.ccrj.org/4706.html


http://journals.aol.co.uk/mbauwens/Abductiionabudhabi/;jsessionid=40DB2FABD63BF7D328184B24D3C777EA


USEFUL LINKS:

http://www.uaeprison.com/

http://www.amnesty.org/

http://www.rightsandhumanity.org/randhd/

http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/wgad/31-2001.html 

Summary of events in the abduction of Jaweed Al –Ghussein from Abu Dhabi and Cairo by the Palestinian Authority

Bio of Jaweed Al Ghussein

Mr. Al-Ghussein is a 75-year-old businessman who graduated from the American University in Cairo and built up a construction and engineering concern based with his family in Abu Dhabi since 1966. He is a well-known Palestinian recognized in the region for his advocacy of promoting peace and understanding through dialogue and was the co-founder of the Next Century Foundation a British NGO created specifically for promoting interaction between adversaries. Jaweed was elected as an independent by the Palestine National Council (PNC) in 1984 in Amman Jordan to head the Palestine National Fund (PNF). As Chairman of the PNF he sat on the Executive Committee Palestine liberation organization (PLO). He held the post till 1996 when he publicly resigned calling for ‘transparency accountability and the rule of law’.

A passionate believer in education he personally funded the education of many Palestinians and supported many Palestinians ensuring they had health care and hope for the future. A friend of Arafat’ since their student days in Cairo, Al Ghussein never compromised his principles and his commitment to the Palestinian cause or people. Committed to a Palestinian state he has devoted his life behind the scenes in the international arena promoting conciliation and justice for the Palestinian people.

He fell out with Arafat in 1990 over Arafat’s support of the Iraq's occupation of Kuwait. His premise was simple ‘how can I as a Palestinian as an Arab whose land is occupied by Israel condone the occupation of one Arab nation of another’.

In spite of a persistent campaign against him and his family by the PA, Al Ghussein has remained true to his principles, refusing to be broken and sacrificing everything he had to uphold his fight for truth and justice for him and the Palestinian people.

This story is truly shocking and is indicative of the lack of law by certain regimes in the Arab world. The role of Abu Dhabi in this is truly horrifying and inhumane and is indicative of how rulers in the area believe they can flout the law. Abu Dhabi’s facilitation in the abduction raises many important questions that go to the heart of the ‘clash of civilisation’ between the East and West’.

He fought for the dignity of the individual. Frail and ill he continues to fight for the rights of the individual.

To come soon: A comprehensive Bio

Background leading to the Abductions

With the co-operation of the Abu Dhabi authorities he was abducted by the Palestinian Authority and held hostage for 16 months in Gaza by the PA. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has investigated the detention of Mr. Al-Ghussein and ruled that the Palestinian Authority is violating Article 9 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in a way that “manifestly cannot be justified on any legal basis.” In August 16 2002 after international pressure Mr Al-Ghussein was released and flown to the United Kingdom where he continues to reside with his family. Although Abu Dhabi authorities have assured Mr Al-Ghussein repeatedly of their intention to resolve the family’s outstanding business affairs and rectify the wrongdoing including the substantial damages done to his reputation and honour as well as to the business which has been shut down after forty years of operating successfully in the area. Seven years later there has been no meaningful dialogue or solution to the family’s predicament. Outstanding payment to the family’s business from the  Abu Dhabi Government have not been paid and costs for medical assistance has been withdrawn.

Mr Al Ghussein was never charged with any crime in any country anywhere in the world. He was the victim of a persistent smear campaign by the PA. In a formal petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary detention the PA admitted Mr Al Ghussein was not charged or being charged with any crime or wrongdoing. This was further determined when the Palestinian Commission on Citizens rights took his case to the courts in Gaza.

His crime very simply was to speak out against corruption and call on accountability.

To come: Which Sheiks played which roles in breaking International law, local law and Sharia law.

The Palestinian Authority Accusation.

To help the Palestinian cause at a crucial time in 1984 he agreed to serve as an independent as Chairman of the Palestinian National Fund after he had been unanimously elected by the Palestinian National Council and became a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization. During this period he reformed the PNF introducing a board of well-known trustees to ensure that monies were distributed correctly and the accounts were audited and ratified by the PNC yearly. Prior to his appointment Mr. Al-Ghussein was one of the leading Palestinian benefactors contributing to the education and health care of Palestinians in need. Financially independent of Arafat and the PLO, Mr. Al-Ghussein repeatedly clashed with Arafat expressing his views publicly in favor of accountability and transparency particularly with donor funds from the West and Arab states.

After the Iraq’s invasion and occupation of Kuwait in August 1990, Mr. Al-Ghussein was the only member of the PLO’S Executive Committee to publicly denounce the aggression and this led a showdown with Arafat who was in total support of Saddam Hussein. This was exacerbated when Mr. Al Ghussein discovered that Arafat had received personally US Dollars 150 million from Saddams for his support. In 1996 Mr. Al-Ghussein felt he could no longer continue in his position while Arafat was resisting implementation of the Rule of Law and financial transparency. Mr Al Ghussein was the first Palestinian in public office to highlight the endemic corruption that was prevalent with Arafat and his ruling Fateh party.

In 1998 the Authority trumped up charges accusing Mr. Al-Ghussein of borrowing money in 1991 from the Palestinian National Fund and never repaying it. This was clearly absurd as no funds could be withdrawn without Arafat’s signature. This became subject to a protracted civil legal action in the Abu- Dhabi courts. The lower courts initially went in favour of the PA. Although many irregularities were evident during the process as all that was being discussed was points of law and the substance of the case was never addressed. During this period the PA mounted a media smear campaign against Mr Al- Ghussein, which had not bearing on the case and defamed him. This continued in the UAE press despite Sheik Abdullah Bin Zayed Minister of Information, who overseas all UAE publications, being made aware of the facts. After complaints by the family of the court procedure to HH Sheik Sultan Bin Zayed then Deputy Prime Minister the case went to the Supreme Courts on appeal and the judgements of the lower courts were overturned, as they had no legal merit. Subsequently two of the judges involved with the initial legal decision were dismissed and deported for accepting bribes.


The First Abduction from Abu Dhabi

Even after the Supreme Court Judgment in his favour Abu Dhabi authorities conspired with PA operatives to kidnap Mr Al Ghussein and deny him any due process. In the early morning of the 20th of April 2001 while attending a wedding reception at the Intercontinental hotel in Abu Dhabi, Mr Al-Ghussein was approached by some plain-clothes officers who asked that he accompany them in a white Bentley to police head quarters. They would not give any reason nor would they allow Mr Al-Ghussein to contact his family or lawyer. Mr Al-Ghussein was detained for the next three days without access initially to his regular medication including insulin for diabetes. Subsequently the family learned that these events were as a result of a request from a leading Palestinian, to a member of the Abu Dhabi ruling family . subsequently another member of the Ruling Family authorised the illegal deportation in contravention of both local and international laws.

On the 22nd of April uniformed officers asked him to accompany them to intelligence headquarters. However, they took him to Abu Dhabi Bateen airport , used for private and royal flights, where he remained in the car surrounded by bodyguards until Arafat’s private plane landed with a number of Force 17 guards including Saeed Allam (Abu Saud,) Chief of Security who now resides in Dubai. This despite the fact that Mr Al Ghussein was a Jordanian citizen resident in Abu Dhabi. He was taken out of the country without his passport WITHOUT ANY LEGAL PROCESS. WITHOUT ANY CHARGES AND DENIED ACCESS TO HIS FAMILY OR LAWYER. This is in contravention to all local and international law.

Mr Al-Ghussein repeatedly requested an explanation. At no time was an explanation provided. Mr Al-Ghussein was flown to Arish a town on the borders of Egypt and Palestine and then driven across the border to Arafat’s Presidential office where he was subsequently removed to a squalid apartment under 24 hour armed guards and was incommunicado for five months. He was denied access to legal and human rights representation, contact with his family and friends, exercise, fresh air and his regular medication. This caused a significant mental and physical toll on an already fragile 72-year-old man.




The UN Petition and the Second Abduction.

The family who were also under great strain not knowing either the whereabouts or the well being of Mr Al Ghussein. No information what so ever was forthcoming from Abu Dhabi. Subsequently assurances from the UAE were given that they had received guarantees from the PA that Mr Al Ghussein would be treated as a minister and would be returned safely back to Abu Dhabi within three days. The family were asked to remain silent and not to speak to the press. A condition an threat that was consistently demanded. The family submitted a petition to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention as by that time the family had determined that Mr Al Ghussein was in Gaza and it seemed pointless to pursue Abu Dhabi through the UN Working Group on Missing Persons. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention investigated the roles of both Abu Dhabi and the PA. Abu Dhabi admitted that it had wrongfully detained and deported Mr Al Ghussein, which technically made him a disappeared person. The UN determined that Mr Al-Ghussein was wrongfully incarcerated and asked PA to remedy the situation immediately. They placed Mr Al-Ghussein in category 1. The highest possible category given to only three people world wide. The Palestinian Authority’s own Minister of Justice Freh Abu Mediane had protested publicly that Mr. Al-Ghussein was being detained completely outside the Authority’s legal system. Amnesty International, the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights and the Arab Human Rights Organization had also called on the Authority to free him. Other prominent Palestinians, including Dr. Sari Nusseibeh, Haider Abdel Shafi also protested.

In its Determination the UN Working Group showed that Abu Dhabi and the PA failed to follow any due process of law. Frustrated with the legal process, the Authority resorted to gangster tactics, kidnapping Mr. Al-Ghussein and deceiving or corrupting officials in Abu Dhabi to do so. The Palestinian Minister of Justice publicly declared that Mr. Al?Ghussein was illegally detained. The PA in trying to avoid the UN determination released Mr Al-Ghussein on the 25th of November to Cairo with armed guards claiming to the UN that a determination was unnecessary as Mr Al Ghussein was no longer in captivity. At the time Mr Al Ghussein was extremely frail, due to undiagnosed carcinoid tumours. In Cairo he was under the supervision of Dr Fathi Arafat at the Red Crescent hospital. On learning of the UN determination the PA with the assistance of Egyptian National Security abducted Mr AL-Ghussein for the second time from his hospital bed in Cairo while he was undergoing treatment. This in spite of assurances from Egypt that Mr Al Ghussein was entitled to remain as a visitor and would be afforded all his rights and security that visitors to the country would normally have. The UN broke with their traditional protocol and publicly published their findings. Mr AL-Ghussein remained under armed guards in Gaza; the International Red Cross were denied access to him even though his health was deteriorating. Mounting Palestinian and International pressure led by Cannon Andrew White, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s special envoy to the Middle East ensured his release in August 2002.