Tributes to Dr Elif Yavuz and Mr Ross Langdon

 

I was concerned that few people understood quite what had been lost with the senseless killing of these two people. I mean what we the world had lost. I didn't know them; I am unlikely to directly benefit from some of their programmes and projects. But I do know that my world had more potential for greater things when they were around to inspire.

 

I became aware of this couple when I was inspired by a presentation by Ross Langdon. But from those that knew them, Dr Yavuz gets at least as much credit as an inspiration. Here's Julio Frenk, Dean of the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH):

 

"Elif brought laughterand love wherever she went. She lighted the lives of her HSPH colleagues and of the children she lived with in Uganda during her thesis work. Elif committed her career and her life to helping those in need. Her compassion was an inspiration to everyone she touched at HSPH and the broader global community in which she lived and worked. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her."

 

 

Bill Clinton paid tribute to Elif Yavuz on Tuesday 24 September 2013. The video clip can be viewed at the Dutch news website Omroep Brabant that covers Elif's home province in the Netherlands. Bill, Hilary, and their daughter Chelsea Clinton jointly issued a brief statement.

 

• Omroep Brabant video clip - Bill Clinton's tribute to Elif Yavuz (in English).

• Clinton family statement on the death of Elif Yavuz.

 

 

 

The United Nations in New york City also heard a tribute to Elif Yavuz on Friday 27 September 2013. Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans delivered a speech to the UN General Assembly. He called for responsibility and action by the international community against terrorism and state-sponsored genocide. He cited the inspiring example of Dr Elif Yavuz and her tragic fate in Nairobi.

We should follow the example of Dr Yavuz, who was committed to helping people suffering from HIV/AIDS and malaria. We should work to achieve her aims and uphold her ideas.

References to Dr Elif Yavuz are in paragraphs 2 and 4 of de Heer Timmermans' speech (also originally in English):

 

• Speech by the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Frans Timmermans to the 68trh Session of the UN General Assembly 

 

 

 

Tasmanian premier Lara Giddings comdemned the terrorists attack in which Mr Langdon amd his partner died, saying it had sent shock waves around the world.

''I can only imagine the grief that this man's relatives and friends are experiencing at such a senseless attack that has claimed innocent victims, including this man and his partner,'' Ms Giddings said.

 

 

I need not have worried too much. These two wonderul people have not left us unnoticed. I have tried to help that just a little bit. My sincerest condolences go to Brabant in the Netherlands and Tasmania in Australia for the Yavuz and Langdon families. I send my sympathy to their colleagues and friends, particularly to Peter Adams for the now globally-respected comments in his blog.

 

Let us remember their legacy and go out and do something about it.