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1923 - 2020

BORN

1923

DIED

2020

Richard Schifter Obituary

1923 - 2020
The Board of Directors of the American Jewish International Relations Institute (AJIRI) profoundly mourns the death of its beloved founder and Director, Ambassador Richard Schifter. Ambassador Schifter's storied life was one of great achievement, and meaningful impact. Born in Vienna, Austria, he came to the United States by himself as a young boy of 15. His parents perished in the Holocaust. Ambassador Schifter was one of the famed "Ritchie Boys", a US Army intelligence unit that performed critical missions in Europe during and after World War Two. Ambassador Schifter attended Yale Law School and became a noted attorney who advocated on behalf of the rights of American Indians, including the Oglala Sioux tribe. He also was a leading figure in the Montgomery County (MD) Democratic Party. During the 1980's and 1990's, he served Presidents of both parties in high diplomatic posts, including as deputy ambassador to the UN, US Ambassador to the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva, and Assistant Secretary of State for Human Rights. He also served in a senior capacity on the National Security Council. He was a legendary figure in the fight for democracy and human rights around the world. As founder and Director of the American Jewish International Relations Institute (AJIRI), he led a vigorous effort on behalf of fair treatment for Israel at the UN and for peace in the Middle East. Predeceased by daughter, Barbara, and beloved wife, Lilo. Our deepest condolences to Rick, Judith, Deborah, and Karen and family.

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Published by New York Times from Oct. 5 to Oct. 6, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Schifter

3 Entries

Nick Tziavaras

December 1, 2020

To the Schifter Family
Ambassador Schifter came to my alma mater Purdue University in the Fall 1989 when I was an undergraduate student. He gave a lecture on Human Rights issues all over the world. He handled a very difficult question/answer session with great poise and patience. My wife and I thank Ambassador Schifter for his service to our nation and humanity in his crusade and advocacy for human rights for all peoples. I pray that that God gives you strength as you remember a man who dedicated his life to serving his fellow man with great integrity and honor.
May his memory be eternal.
God Bless.

Joel Wallins

November 23, 2020

A true hero in a time when they are much needed. May his memory inspire us to be more, do more and keep trying, for the work is not done and will never be.

Frank Kerber

October 17, 2020

I worked under Ambassador Schifter at the Department of State for two years, 1998-2000. At that time he was Special Assistant to Secretary Albright and I was his Office Director. Ambassador Schifter was working to put together the Southeast European Cooperative Initiative (SECI) to facilitate cooperation on trade and law enforcement among the Balkan countries from Hungary to Turkey. We traveled to Europe every 2-3 months, meeting with western governments to gain their support, and with Balkan governments to get their agreement with the Initiative. The final inauguration of SECI in Bucharest occurred shortly after my tour.

I remember Ambassador Schifter for his hard work and dedication to his mission. He hosted my wife and me in his home and came to ours as well. At the end of my tour, he held a farewell luncheon for me and my family in the State Department diplomatic dining room. A most generous gesture.

I wrote to Amb Schifter last year to renew contact after many years. He wrote back immediately, asking me to visit sometime when in Washington. Unfortunately, that never happened.

I admire Amb Schifter and feel honored to have known him. He was a major contributor to world peace and development.

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