Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Others Remember Jerome J. Shestack

Many prominent individuals and organizations offered remembrances of Schnader colleague and friend, Jerome J. Shestack, on his passing, including:

“He was unwavering in his commitment to the highest of American values and international human rights standards. Jerry was an effective advocate for the causes-and people-he cared about because he had a rare mix of wonderful qualities: optimism, resilience, humor, a thick skin, and a way of making everyone feel at ease.”

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

Read her full statement here.

 

“Jerry Shestack was a brilliant, dynamic and effective advocate for human rights and the Jewish commitment to justice for all. Motivated by his deep roots in Jewish tradition, he championed the plight of those abused and excluded worldwide.”

David Harris, Executive Director

American Jewish Committee

Read the complete AJC statement here.

 

“Throughout his long and storied career he fought tirelessly to protect civil and human rights, and among his many contributions and accomplishments was his pivotal role in the founding of the Lawyers’ Committee… We are profoundly thankful that the Lawyers’ Committee continued to benefit from his tireless commitment for nearly five decades. As recently as the last several months he provided guidance on key issues and was very involved in planning for the approaching 50th anniversary of the Lawyers’ Committee. His contributions were innumerable and invaluable.”

Statement of Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Read the complete statement here.

 

“As a co-founder of our organization, Jerry instilled in us his pragmatist work ethic and his passion for making the ideals of justice and human dignity a reality in the lives of people all over the world in ways that are practical, meaningful and enforceable. We have lost a true friend and champion.”

Elisa Massimino

CEO, Human Rights First

Read her complete statement here.

 

“We lost a great one. With his tireless work for human rights and the rule of law, Jerry Shestack made a positive difference in the lives of so many, not only in our country but around the world.”

William T. Robinson III

President of the American Bar Association

 

“Jerry’s dedication to the law and to human rights was a guidepost to a generation of activists in the U.S. and abroad. He was a mentor to many and an inspiration to many more.”

Robert Arsenault

President of the International League for Human Rights

 

“In every sense, Jerome Shestack was the consummate Philadelphia lawyer. He exemplified the ideals of keen intellect, personal character, and professional commitment. He was a natural-born leader and international human-rights advocate who was a treasured friend and colleague to countless lawyers, judges, public officials, and ordinary citizens.”

Rudolph Garcia

Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association

 

Mr. Shestack’s passing was also noted extensively by the media, including The New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer (view full coverage here, here and here), the ABA Journal, The Legal Intelligencer, the Philadelphia Business Journal, and by Newsworks.org, the online home of WHYY News, the public broadcasting station for the Philadelphia region.