Yossi Sarid dies at 75

Yossi Sarid visiting Hebron, 2003. Photo by Nayef Hashlamoun, Reuters

Yossi Sarid – one of the leaders of the Israeli peace camp, former MK and minister – passed away on Friday night (4 December 2015). Sarid not only gave B’Tselem its name, he also lucidly and eloquently shaped our guiding worldview. He instilled in many generations of Israelis the importance of thinking conscientiously, independently and critically. Sarid’s actions served as a model of how to act when one must go against the tide, of how – when necessary – to fearlessly and determinedly espouse a stance contradictory to the prevailing consensus. His political and public activity as well as his op-ed columns all conveyed his deep, inspiring commitment to human rights, and to improving the world and Israeli society. We will continue following in his footsteps, working to bring about an end to the injustices of the occupation.