Dr. Gerhart M. Riegner, 1911--2001. It is with deep sadness that I have to announce the death in his sleep on 2 December 2001 of our long-time counsellor and honorary president of the International Council of Christians and Jews, Dr. Gerhart M. Riegner. At the same time we are grateful that this valiant fighter for the Jewish people and for human rights was allowed a peaceful departure.
Never Despair was the title of his autobiography charting his central role in Jewish life over the past sixty years, which included his early warning to the Allies in 1942 of the Nazi "final solution" programme. Indeed, Gerhart Riegner was never one to despair - he was open-eyed, alert and never hesitated to remind us of our task in the forefront of courageous dialogue and the responsibility to speak out where injustice reared its head as well as to seek the best means of understanding and reconciliation. A wise, witty and essentially modest man, Gerhart Riegner had met and negotiated with all major political and religious leaders of our age, yet he never lost the common touch of understanding the pain of others and of genuine friendship. And he never ceased to marvel at the beauty and majesty of nature, particularly his beloved Swiss mountains.
All of us who had the privilege of knowing and working with him will carry his memory in affection and with a sense of blessing.
Rev. Friedhelm Pieper, General Secretary, ICCJ