Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Russian human rights activist remembered. Physician, writer and activist Dr. Yelena
Bonner passed away at the ripe age of 88 on Sunday, June 19 in Massachusetts, USA. After
marrying Dr. Andrei Sakharov, she and the renowned scientist devoted their lives to
human rights, disarmament and freedom, and she later accepted a Nobel Peace Prize on
his behalf. In her work as an activist during the Soviet era, Dr. Bonner endured adverse
conditions and eventually was imprisoned as she campaigned for the fair treatment of others.
When her health declined, her husband staged lengthy hunger fasts to secure her passage
to the United States for medical treatment. Dr. Bonner continued to champion the human
rights of fellow Russians well into her 80s, receiving many international awards for her
work. As late as December 2010, she sent a note to participants in a Moscow, Russia protest
rally that read, “Consider that I have come, again to save my homeland, although I cannot
walk.’’
Our condolences to the loved ones of Dr. Yelena Bonner, whose noble ideals continue to inspire
the hearts of many to enable world peace and freedom to reign in our world. May her soul
rest peacefully in Heaven's love and grace�