Abraham Rosenthal, R.I.P.

Press release                                       No. 06-P 13                     2006-05-11

(Washington, D.C.): The world’s oppressed and suffering – and all those who love freedom and strive for its expansion around the globe – lost one of their most impassioned, articulate and effective champions today with the passing of legendary journalist and editor Abraham Rosenthal. The Center for Security Policy was proud to have him as a mentor, inspiration and friend and deeply mourns his death.

Abe Rosenthal, as he was known to his friends, and A.M. Rosenthal as he was known to untold millions who admired his handiwork at the New York Times, in his syndicated column and in his last years as a columnist for the New York Daily News was a truly extraordinary human being. He epitomized the driven beat reporter, the fearless and intrepid foreign correspondent, the take-no-prisoners editor and the impassioned author of innumerable columns. In every position, he unflinchingly spoke truth to power and “called ’em like he saw ’em.”

For all his affected professional curmudgeonliness in public, Abe was a profoundly gentle and caring man. Those who were treated to his self-deprecating and infectious humor and to his tender other-directedness would never forget the love he gave so freely.

Perhaps the most memorable of Abe Rosenthal’s many splendid qualities was his commitment to principle. He spoke tirelessly for the victims of genocidal totalitarians, those who were often inconvenient and forgotten by policy-makers and those who had no representation in the councils of government. He savaged phony solutions to real problems and their perpetrators. He was a conscience for his time and, for serving as a hair-shirt, was subjected to criticism and even ridicule by those he properly made uncomfortable.

The world is a better place for Abe Rosenthal’s long, steadfast efforts to make it so. And those of us who confront the many ways in which it is at risk of once again becoming a far worse a place do so without the counsel, inspiration and help of one of our most cherished friends and effective leaders.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to Abe Rosenthal’s family and particularly to his cherished wife, Shirley Lord Rosenthal, a valued founding member of the Center’s Board of Regents. It was the Center’s privilege to honor A.M. Rosenthal in 2003 with its “Mightier Pen Award.” While that recognition was but one of the countless awards he received, few – if any – were ever bestowed with greater affection and appreciation.