Edwin Silverman

Edwin Silverman changed my life and my career trajectory. In 1996, I was a recent graduate from Univ of Michigan and new arrival to Chicago. I was working for a large advertising agency, but as a first generation immigrant, my heart was seeking different work - human rights (specifically refugee and immigrant rights) work. A friend of a friend shared Ed's contact information with me, and when I called him, he met me for coffee the next week. We shared several coffees and lunches, where he...

Well remembered and never forgotten. May his memory be for a blessing.

Remembering Ed Silverman (z"l) today, someone whom I respected and admired throughout the many years I knew him in my capacity as education consultant with the Illinois State Board of Education. His tremendous contribution to the provision of needed services for refugee students and families cannot ever be forgotten. May his name be for a blessing.

Condolences to the Silverman family. I worked with Ed for many years and always admired his passion for the work he did with IDHS. He truly believed in what he did. His primary focus was ensuring that people received the services and help needed to successfully transition to their lives in America. He will be missed but that passion will live on through many others.

Ed made our lives fuller just by being our friend. He knew when to be serious and when to have fun. His wisdom and kindness will never be forgotten nor will his beautiful piano playing.

Our condolences to the Silverman family. Ed was a great friend and trusted adviser to the Chicago Commission on Human Relations for many years. He served as the chair of our Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Council, and member of our Board of Commissioners. He opened up our eyes to the plight of immigrants and refugees in our city, and help us see the face of those in need so we could see them as people and not statistics. Personally, I enjoyed his wit, and his dry, but wonderful sense of...

Such a great man who served to give those displaced a home and a future. May his soul rest in peace. #voiceofdiapora

My deepest condolences. Ed was a very important person in my life, both professionally and personally. I don't know anyone else who would understand, know so much and care about refugees and immigrants from all over the world, and who worked so hard to give us help, make us feel welcomed in America. He was a great friend to immigrants from Poland. Respectfully and with sadness - Joanna Borowiec

Mur heartfelt condolences to Ed's family. I first met Ed when he introduced the Bureau of Refugee Services. He was brilliant, generous, and very dedicated to those he perceived to be in need. A gentle person who earned our admiration and respect. He will be sorely missed by many. May his memory be for a blessing.