In Memory of Nahida Halaby Gordon

Written by Joe Roos, Chair of the FOSNA Finance and Development Committee and former Co-Chair of FOSNA Board of Trustees

It is with great sadness that FOSNA announces the passing of one of the beloved members of our Board of Trustees – Nahida Halaby Gordon. Nahida served FOSNA in an exemplary manner, offering not only her insights and experience as a Palestinian American woman, but also for her expertise in finance and management. She chaired the FOSNA Finance and Development Committee and once was the Co-Chair of the FOSNA Board.

Nahida was born in 1939 in Jerusalem, Palestine, the same year that ended the first Palestinian uprising against their British occupiers. During her secondary school years, she was not able to walk to school by herself, even though she lived only two blocks away, because the precursors of the Israeli military would periodically pepper the streets of her home with live ammunition. Nahida once reflected that, “as a preteen in late 1947 and early 1948, I watched my country and community collapse around me. We lost all—our home, belongings, community and friends…The image I have of my father arriving home with blood all over his head and clothes remains with me to this day.”

Her family moved to the United States to escape the violence of the Nakba, hoping to return to their homeland, but the newly formed state of Israel refused their return. Nahida married, became a grandmother and Professor Emerita of mathematics/statistics. She published numerous articles and books, but her heart was always with the people of Palestine, for the end of the occupation and for freedom and justice for all Palestinians.

Nahida, your generous heart and your many gifts will be deeply missed by all of us at FOSNA. We are stronger because of your loving and giving presence.