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We are shocked and saddened by the sudden death of David Zackon, our loyal member, leader and friend. David passed away March 13, 2016 at Massachusetts General Hospital from complications of flu and pneumonia. A lifelong peace supporter, David was the convener of our Palestine/Israel working group and an active member of our Legislative/Political committee. He also participated in several allied organizations, including the North Shore Coalition for Peace and Justice, the New England Network for Justice in Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace. We will miss him greatly. A celebration of David’s life was held May 15, 2016; read more information here.
Read the Boston Globe obituary notice. A short photo essay below shows some of David’s work with Peace Action. The following article was published in the Summer 2016 Massachusetts Peace Action newsletter: David Zackon, a lifelong peace activist and leader of MAPA, died on Sunday, March 13, 2016. He was 57 years old. He was the convener of our Palestine/Israel working group and active in the Legislative/Political committee. He was a close student of Congress and the Massachusetts legislature. The shocking news of David’s death was followed by countless heartfelt emails from friends and colleagues who were fortunate enough to know him. Here are just a few of those beautiful words: Nancy Murray, former ACLU education director, wrote, “When David turned his penetrating mind to how to bring about positive change in the legislature it seemed that change was within our grasp. He was such a committed, competent and compassionate person whose loss will be felt for a very long time.” Author and activist Alice Rothschild wrote, “I second the enormous shock and loss. A reminder to celebrate each other and stay focused on the work to be done, the best way to honor his memory.” At any peace event, David’s presence could not be missed. He was an inspiring teacher and a powerful role model. His energetic devotion and contributions to the our struggle for justice has made the world a better place. David knew how to connect with people. His warm friendly smile and his wry humor were a joy to be around. When we posed for pictures at a small rally, he would say, “Try to look numerous.” When he was asked how the article he was assigned to write was going, he would say, “It is a bit Davidy, I should work on it more.” So he did. Then he usually came up with a stunning piece of work. Donations in David’s memory will create a David Zackon Fellowship for Justice in Palestine-Israel, supporting the work of interns and young organizers who are continuing David’s work to bring a just Palestine-Israel policy into the legislative and political arena. Mail a check to Massachusetts Peace Action Education Fund, 11 Garden St., Cambridge, MA 02138 and write “David Zackon Fellowship” on the memo line. All donations are tax-deductible. – Massoudeh Edmond, Arlington |
Lysa Leland photo
