For Immediate Release: October 14, 2005
Further information: Brent R. Carney (617) 514-1662, Brent.Carney@JFKLFoundation.org
Boston, MA- Today the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation hosted a distinguished group of human rights and civil rights activists for a round table discussion on the challenges facing the human rights movement, followed by a tribute to Joshua Rubenstein, Northeast Regional Director of Amnesty International USA. During the ceremony, Mr. Rubenstein shared his reflections on his thirty years of work at Amnesty International. This respected group of leaders also discussed the current challenges facing the human rights movement today.
The round table discussion on human rights included a diverse group of more than 40 activists. Among those in attendance included: Margot Strom, Executive Director of Facing History and Ourselves; Susannah Sirkin, Deputy Director of Physicians for Human Rights; Anthony Lewis, renowned civil rights journalist; and John Shattuck, CEO of the JFK Library Foundation and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor under President Clinton.
In addition to the discussion of human rights, the Kennedy Library Foundation also took time to honor Joshua Rubenstein, a champion of human rights for the past thirty years. "The John F. Kennedy Library and Museum is dedicated to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world," said John Shattuck, CEO of the JFK Library Foundation. "Through his work at Amnesty International USA, Joshua Rubenstein continues to seek a new and better world. The JFK Library Foundation is honored to host this tribute to Mr. Rubenstein today."
Mr. Rubenstein currently serves as the Northeast Regional Director of Amnesty International USA. He is also an Associate at Harvard’s Davis Center for Eurasian and Russian Studies. Mr. Rubenstein has been professionally involved with human rights and international affairs for thirty years as an activist, scholar, and journalist with a particular expertise in Soviet affairs. His newest book, The KGB File of Andrei Sakharov, was published in July 2005.