We are saddened by the passing of ACCESS Founding and Emeritus Board Member, George Khoury, on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the age of 81. He was passionate voice for change, and was instrumental in the founding of ACCESS. George's contributions to our growth, mission and evolution over the years were immense.
George embodied his vision of an empowered Arab American community, bringing it to life by establishing organizations and mobilizing community engagement. He was the driving force behind the establishment of the Arab American University Graduates – Detroit chapter and the Organization of Arab Students (OAS) at Wayne State University, helping foster a sense of belonging, mutual support and connection among Arab American youth. His commitment to building a world of understanding was showcased through his relentless work with the Arab American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) in Michigan.
George, born in Jerusalem, Palestine, in 1942, and arriving in the United States in 1961, maintained a strong connection to his Palestinian identity, evident in his community work. His involvement with the Ghassan Kanafani Cultural Foundation honored the legacy of Palestinian activist and journalist Ghassan Kanafani while also playing a crucial role in providing resources and holistic educational programming for Palestinian refugee children in Lebanon. His concern for ensuring the awareness and recognition of the Palestinian community's story motivated his co-founding of The Holy Land Christian Ecumenical Foundation. He also served as the editor-in-chief of the Birzeit Society magazine and as the president of the Birzeit Society of North America.
Our entire ACCESS community is filled with everlasting gratitude for the countless ways George's compassion and dedication paved the way for a brighter future. Our thoughts are with his wife, Ruth, and his family, as well as their many friends. He will be deeply missed. Information regarding services will be shared when available.