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US’s first Arab-American Senator dies at 92
James Abourezk, the first Arab-American to serve in the US Senate, passed away at the age of 92 on February 24, 2023. His death was announced by his family in a statement, which described him as a “champion of civil rights and social justice.”
Abourezk, a Democrat from South Dakota, was born to Lebanese immigrants in 1931 and served in the Senate from 1973 to 1979. His passing has been mourned by the Arab American community, with many praising his tireless advocacy for justice and equality.
Abourezk was a trailblazer for Arab-Americans in politics, and his election to the Senate in 1972 was a significant milestone for the community. He was known for his progressive views on social issues and his outspoken criticism of U.S. policy in the Middle East.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">James Abourezk, a South Dakota Democrat who grew up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, became the first Arab American U.S. senator and was known for his quick wit as he advocated for populist causes, died Friday. He was 92. <a href="https://t.co/HvwyKSIeyo">https://t.co/HvwyKSIeyo</a></p>— The Associated Press (@AP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AP/status/1629268607531208704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
During his time in the Senate, Abourezk was a strong advocate for civil rights and was a vocal opponent of the Vietnam War. He was also a key figure in the passage of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975, which granted greater autonomy to Native American tribes.
After leaving the Senate in 1979, Abourezk continued to be active in politics and advocacy. He founded the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, which aimed to combat discrimination against Arab Americans, and was involved in efforts to promote peace and justice in the Middle East.
He was also a vocal critic of U.S. policy towards Israel and wrote several books, including “Advise and Dissent: Memoirs of an Ex-Senator,” which chronicled his time in the Senate.
James Abourezk’s life and legacy demonstrate the importance of representation and advocacy for marginalized communities and it will continue to inspire generations of Arab Americans. As the first Arab American US Senator, he blazed a trail for others to follow, and his work on behalf of Palestinian rights remains an inspiration to many.
Abourezk’s commitment to social justice and civil rights serves as a reminder of the importance of inclusion and diversity in government and the power of advocacy.
