Riad always spoke fast and passionately that sometimes it was hard to keep up with him but I think his mind was running even faster,
always thinking of new ways to do things. They were always practical things. As an example, when Riad read of my father's
death, he took initiative to ask that a tree be planted in my father's honor and he sent me a picture of it. That picture had
more value than any words of condolensces he could have sent. That was the Riad we knew, always thinking practical things, not
mere words.
Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. stated: “Cowardice asks the question - is it safe? Expediency asks the question
- is it politic? Vanity asks the question - is it popular? But conscience asks the question - is it right? And there comes a time
when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular; but one must take it because it is right.”
We know Riad
followed his conscience and acted because it is rigt not safe and as Ralph Waldo Emerson summed it well in his poem about What is
success?
To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people
and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of
honest critics
and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty; to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better,
whether
by a healthy child, a garden patch
or redeemed social condition;
To know even one life breathed easier
because you have lived;
This
is to have succeeded."
I think Riad succeeded beyond even his own imagination. I think most of us humans are generally more afraid
not that we are capable of changing things but afraid that we are capable beyond our imaginations. I think we have to learn to appreciate
ourselves and the people around us more. To Riad's wife Diana, his children, his family.. thank you for giving us Riad/sharing him
with us and with Palestine. We know Riad would want us to take care of each other more and to say thank you more to those who
give of themselves. We know he would want us to intensify our work to help the oppressed. We know he cared about Palestine and
recognized the centrality of its struggle for freedom. To continue Riad's work is thus the right thing to do. I am thus
grateful for ICPR, Jack and others who organized the events that will follow this service in Austin. Rest in peace my friend
Riad. We will continue your work... "for the Children".
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ACTION: Speak out, silence is complicity
Mazin Qumsiyeh,
PhD
http://qumsiyeh.org
http://justicewheels.org
THE INTERFAITH COMMUNITY FOR PALESTINIAN RIGHTS