Dr. Clovis Maksoud sadly passed away at the age of 90 years old at Washington Hospital Center. He died after suffering a serious cerebral hemorrhage. He was a famous Arab-American diplomat, scholar, and activist.
Maksoud’s parents were Lebanese immigrants. He was born in 1926 in Oklahoma. Maksoud’s family decided to relocate to Lebanon where they raised him. The American University of Beirut awarded Maksoud with a political science degree. He also earned a degree in law from George Washington University.
Maksoud proudly represented the Arab League at many stages, such as India and United States to name but a few. He was a respected veteran diplomat. He was also the League’s chief representative at the United Nations. However, he stepped down from the role in 1990 shortly after Kuwait was invaded by Iraq.
Many people remember Maksoud as a journalist, talented writer, and skillful storyteller. He spent much of his time writing books concerning Arab politics and the challenges along with it.
During his life, Maksoud was a public supporter of Arab nationalism. He was also for Palestinian sovereignty and the policy relating to the non-alignment and democratic socialism. During his entire career, he always warned people against sectarianism and extremism.
He is often remembered for his famous statement ‘Palestine is the anvil of our souls.’ He always emphasized the great importance of bringing Palestinian people together.
Although the Arab world was bleak at the time, Maksoud gave everyone hope to hold on to during dark periods. He encouraged people to continue living despite the despair they were experiencing during a touching speech in 2014 visit to Dearborn.
Millions of people from the Arab community have paid their respects to Maksoud following his death. He is described as an ambassador, writer, thinker, nationalist but most of all a dear friend by Publisher Osama Siblani. Maksoud’s passing is considered one of the Arab community’s greatest loss. So many people will greatly miss him.
Siblani also urges Arabs and Arab-Americans to stay faithful to Maksoud’s wish of abandoning divisions within the community.
Massive company ACCESS also paid their respects. They stated that they were deeply moved by Maksoud’s passing. Maksoud worked alongside others on the national advisory board of the Arab American National Museum. ACCESS believe that his work and contribution to society is invaluable and that he has left a powerful legacy behind him.
The Arab American Institute has highly praised Maksoud. James Zogby said that Maksoud’s wisdom would live on for many centuries to come. James explains how Maksoud spent his time teaching generations of Arabs and Arab Americans about how important it is to find peace in the country concerning people’s preferences and differences.
People from all different Arab and Arab-American communities have expressed their great sorrow for the massive loss of Maksoud. While he may not be here on earth now, his work, words, and behavior will long be remembered and hopefully used to shape things in the future.