In Memorial
It was with heavy hearts that we learned that Professor Hisham Ahmed, who had overcome so many obstacles in his life, lost his valiant battle with colon cancer on July 7th, 2019. Born blind in a tent, in Deheisheh Refugee Camp, Bethlehem, in 1963, Hisham’s meticulous scholarship, generous courtesy, undaunted courage, and delightful sense of humor charmed students, and colleagues alike, and won him many friends and admirers where ever he went. Educated in the West Bank, Palestine, Hisham earned his BA degree in political science from Illinois State University and his MA and Ph.D. at UC Santa Barbara. He taught at Florida International University and the University of North Dakota, was a Fulbright Scholar in Palestine, published his book, From Religious Salvation to Political Transformation: The Rise of Hamas in Palestinian Society, was a Fellow of the Institute of Current World Affairs and taught at Bir Zeit University and other universities and colleges in Palestine.
In 2006 Dr. Ahmed arrived at St. Mary’s College of California in Moraga, where he was professor of politics. At St. Mary’s he also chaired the Politics Department and the Academic Senate. Always generous with his knowledge, experience, and time, Professor Ahmed authored many studies and articles, frequently granting local and international interviews and analyses focusing on the Middle East and Palestine. Hisham was active in professional organizations, and served as Vice-President of Arab-American University Graduates AAUG. He also served on the board of the Mount Diablo Peace and Justice Center. Locally, he honored Ecumenical Peace Institute (EPI-CALC) and Friends of Sabeel North America with illuminating lectures focusing on Palestine and advocating for human rights for Palestinians. – Vivian Zelaya
MDPJC has lost a wonderful friend and former board member, Professor Hisham Ahmed. Hisham passed away on Sunday evening July 7 at age 56 after a hard battle with colon cancer. He is survived by his wife Amneh and school age children Ahmed and Noor. – Rick Sterling
There is much more to share, but I’d like to end with how well loved Hisham was, and how much he loved in return. His eyes lit up whenever he spoke of Amneh, Noor, and Ahmed, truly the light of his life. His love for his friends was also abundantly evident, in particular his dear friend Patrizia Longo, and there are many more of us who felt his love and loved him back.
Rest in peace and power dear Hisham, you will always be in our hearts.
Suzi Weissman, Professor of Politics,
Saint Mary’s College of California, Moraga, CA”
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