Progressive Socialist Party Chief Walid Jumblatt, expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of US-Lebanese Senator James Abou Rizk, founder of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.

In a cable of condolences addressed to the former Committee Chairman, Attorney Albert Mokheiber, Jumblatt said: "What a sad news at this delicate moment in history, for the Arab world, and for Palestine...He was a dedicated fighter against racial and intellectual discrimination between people above all artificial borders...May his soul rest in peace and may the Lord have mercy upon him."

Jumblatt had received from Moukheiber an obituary message on the passing of Abou Rizk, stating: “On February 24, 2023, his 92nd birthday, our society and our nation lost civil rights champion, Senator James (Jim) Abou Rizk. I had the honor of working with Jim, first as legal Director, then as Chairman, and later as a member of the Board of Directors of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), which he founded in 1980."

He added, “Jim was unique in many ways, from his firm commitment to civil and human rights, to his faithful representation of his constituents in Congress. His vision in founding the ADC served not only to protect the Arab American community, but also to empower the generations that followed. He was tenacious for the truth, and merciful to the underpriviledged, whether they were Native Americans or Palestinian refugees. He was as proud of his Lebanese roots as he was of his upbringing in South Dakota."

"Today we lost a dear friend, mentor, and courageous leader, ranking among the best of America," Moukheiber concluded.