In life, we are blessed to meet a handful of people who have a spark that shines a little brighter. These encounters leave a lasting impression on us that makes it all the more heartbreaking when we have to say goodbye.
Last week we learned of the sudden passing of longtime Jewish World Watch partners and human rights champions Katie Jay Scott (KTJ) and Gabriel Stauring. KTJ and Gabe were the embodiment of how to live one’s values into the world. Through their trauma-informed programs at iACT, they worked to bring independence, dignity and empowerment to so many people whose lives have been torn apart by conflict.
The staff and Board of Jewish World Watch join the thousands of those whose hearts are broken by this devastating loss.
Last night, the Jewish community celebrated the first night of Hanukkah, a time that reminds us that when we are in the darkest places, we must find our own inner light and share it out into the world so that it can grow and radiate. We also know that KTJ and Gabe would want us to recommit ourselves to continue the work that they so selflessly dedicated their lives to.
In November 2020, KTJ joined a Jewish World Watch panel on healing communities living through crises that featured female human rights leaders. She said, “We can’t wait generations and generations to address the trauma that people feel.”
Let her words be our call to action. Let their legacy be the spark that compels us to demand something different through our words and our deeds.
May we all embody the spirit that Katie Jay Scott and Gabriel Stauring were so full of and radiate light into the world. Their legacy will continue to be a blessing.