BY MEAGHAN MCGOLDRICK &
ROSE ADAMS
Community leader Dr. Ahmad
Jaber, a Bay Ridge doctor
known for founding the civil
rights organization the Arab
American Association of New
York, died Dec. 10 at 73.
Born in the Palestinian village
of Yamoun, Dr. Jaber emigrated
to the United States in
1974 and launched his medical
career as a resident at NYU
Langone-Brooklyn, formerly
Lutheran Medical Center, in
Sunset Park. He went on to
become a board-certifi ed OBGYN
before opening a private
practice in Bay Ridge, where
he long resided.
In addition to delivering
more than 5,000 babies over the
course of his career, Dr. Jaber
was known for his community
involvement and generosity.
“I’ve known Dr. Jaber for
almost 15 years. He dedicated
his entire life in service of others,”
said Faiza Ali, the co-director
for outreach at the City
Council, and the former advocacy
and civic engagement director
at the Arab American Association
of New York. “He not
only founded Muslim and Arab
organizations in Brooklyn that
laid the foundation for the community
he loved, he was also a
bridge builder and activist. Dr.
Jaber was driven by his faith
values of compassion and love.”
Ali said no job was too
small for Dr. Jaber, whose
mentees called him “Dr. J.”
“He was the person who
helped a struggling new immigrant
family with bills and
groceries, the one who spoke
out against discrimination
and injustice, the person who
jumped in his car and ran to
Costco to pick up bottled water
to distribute during protests
and rallies,” she said.
But, Dr. Jaber’s impact on
Bay Ridge was just as big as
those to the families of children
he helped bring into the
world, according to l
Local electeds and community
members took to social
media to lionize the “giant.”
“We lost a giant with the
passing of Dr. Ahmad Jaber,
who dedicated his life to serving
the community and promoting
cross-cultural unity,”
wrote Assemblywoman Mathylde
Frontus on Twitter.
Palestinian activist Linda
Sarsour mourned the passing
of her “movement father.”
“My heart is crushed but
my commitment to our people
is now even stronger,” said
the former executive director
of the Arab American Association
of New York. “In your
honor Dr J., we keep going.”
The association, which
provides social services, immigration
support and public
advocacy for New York’s Arab
American community, was
founded in a small offi ce on the
second fl oor of Dr. Jaber’s Fifth
Avenue practice. Before starting
HEALTH ADVISORY
NEW YORKERS SHOULD LIMIT ACTIVITIES
THEY AND THEIR HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS AND CAREGIVERS SHOULD:
Limit their activities outside of their home – only leave to go to work or school or for medical care or
other essential needs, such as groceries and pharmacy items.
COURIER L 14 IFE, DEC. 18–24, 2020 M BR B G
Dr. Ahmad Jaber died on Dec. 10. Arab American Association of New York
the group, Dr. Jaber joined
forces with a budding community
of Arab-American doctors
across the country to found the
National Arab-American Medical
Association in 1975.
“Dr. Jaber founded the
AAANY as a welcome center
and beacon of hope to new
arriving Arab and Muslim
immigrants,” Sarsour told
Brooklyn Paper. “He invested
his own resources, including
giving up his medical clinic in
a prime location to establish
the association. He wanted every
immigrant who came to
have a family, and that’s what
AAANY was.”
Dr. Jaber’s passing came
after a lengthy battle with
liver cancer, Ali said.
“His loss is being felt by so
many right now,” said Ali, “but
there is comfort knowing that
his contributions and legacy
will be felt for generations.”
Dr. Jaber is survived by
his wife Najah; his children
Reem, Ramee, Ranee, Omar,
Waseem, and Faris; and his
grandchildren Deen, Hana,
Zayn, Faisal, Leena, Elijah,
Noah, Iris, and Eisa.
‘WE LOST A GIANT”
Remembering Dr. Ahmad Jaber, founder of the
Arab American Association of New York
COVID-19 CASES AND HOSPITALIZATIONS ARE INCREASING
RAPIDLY IN NEW YORK CITY.
ADULTS OVER 65 AND PEOPLE WITH CERTAIN UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITIONS
ARE AT GREATER RISK FOR SEVERE COVID-19.
For more information, visit nyc.gov/health/coronavirus
Wear a face covering at all times when
outside their home, indoors and outdoors.
Not have visitors in their home, except
for caregivers.
Avoid public spaces and gatherings.
Stay home if sick, except for
getting medical care, including testing
for COVID-19.
IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19, CALL YOUR DOCTOR.
IF YOU ARE HAVING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911.
Bill de Blasio
Mayor
Dave A. Chokshi, MD, MSc
Commissioner
/coronavirus