State Senator Andrew Gounardes Passes Resolution Honoring the Life of Dr. Ahmad Jaber

Brooklyn, NY -  State Senator Andrew Gounardes today spoke on the New York State Senate passage of a resolution to honor the life of Dr. Ahmad Jaber, a renowned doctor, founder of the Arab American Association of New York and a leader in the fight for Arab American rights. Dr. Jaber died on December 10, 2020, at the age of 73. Watch Senator Gounardes’ full remarks here.

Born in the small village of Yamoun, Palestine, he moved to Jordan before immigrating to America. He became a board-certified OB-GYN and opened a private practice on 5th Ave in Bay Ridge. In 1975, he founded the National Arab-American Medical Association, through which he was able to establish a prayer room at his hospital. In 2001, he partnered with other community leaders to found the nonprofit Arab-American Association of New York, dedicating himself to fighting prejudice and bridging the divide between the Arab-American community and their neighbors.

Throughout his career and activism he helped many newly arriving immigrants from Arab nations and was known for his generosity, compassion and reputation as a bridge builder. He also personally delivered 5,000 babies. 

State Senator Andrew Gounardes said, “Dr. Jaber was an absolutely extraordinary person whose dedication to justice and healing will continue to inspire others long after he is gone. He was a friend and someone I continue to respect and admire, both for the meaningful work he did to stand up for the rights of his fellow Arab-Americans and bring people closer together, as well as the new life he brought into the world as a doctor. Today, we as a legislative body honor Dr. Jaber for a life of purpose and integrity and mourn his loss. May his memory be eternal.”

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