Nov 18, 2024

USCIRF Mourns the Passing of Former Commissioner Felice Gaer – A Relentless Advocate for the Dignity of Every Person

Washington, DC – The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) was saddened to learn of the recent death of former Commissioner Felice Gaer. Gaer served as a USCIRF Commissioner from 2001 to 2012, including three years as Chair and three years as Vice Chair. An esteemed human rights expert and advocate, she was the longtime director of the American Jewish Committee’s Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights.

“As a Commissioner, Chair, and Vice Chair of USCIRF, Felice Gaer contributed her deep knowledge, rigorous analysis, tireless work ethic, and passion for human rights and justice to USCIRF’s work for over a decade,” said USCIRF Chair Stephen Schneck. “Her efforts to bring to light the unique ways women experience religious freedom violations and the religious freedom implications of anti-Semitism were especially influential and impactful. May her memory be for a blessing.” 

“USCIRF mourns Felice Gaer’s passing and extends our deepest sympathies to her husband, Dr. Henryk Baran, and family,” said USCIRF Vice Chair Eric Ueland. “She was an unflinching advocate for the oppressed and a persuasive proponent of strong U.S. and multilateral action to combat religious persecution abroad. Her leadership and eloquent voice in pursuit of equal dignity for all will be noticeably missed.”

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The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan federal government entity established by the U.S. Congress to monitor, analyze, and report on religious freedom abroad. USCIRF makes foreign policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress intended to deter religious persecution and promote freedom of religion and belief. To interview a Commissioner, please contact USCIRF at [email protected].