For many of us in OWFI, the news of Jennifer's car accident and passing away was a shock. She leaves us with deep sorrow for the loss of a dear friend and ally
Jennifer was one of the first women in the US to hear us when we cried out about women's agonies in the post-invasion Iraq. She believed that freedom and equality were for all people to enjoy, even if they were the unfortunate women of Iraq. She rose up to confront all stereotypes which belittled and ignored our sufferings and pain. We were surprised with her passion to defend us in her writings, as in an August 2nd 2004 letter to Ms. Weir, advising her not to view Iraqi women's situation through the " … the lens of a US government agency". Moreover, we were touched to see how much she valued our safety when she expressed her dismay as follows: "… It seems as if you believe that "democracy" is somehow separate from the well-being and survival of the masses of Iraqi people".
Jennifer shines like a star in our minds when we tell Iraqi women that their sisters in the US care for them, support them, and fight for them when needed.
Speaking and writing on our behalf were not enough for Jennifer. She advocated and organized also in our defense. In June 2004, she worked hard with her group SOWFI (Solidarity with Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq) to collect financial support for the rent needed for our first shelter in Baghdad
In our memories, Jennifer will always be the warmest friend, a loving sister, and the most progressive and passionate-feminist comrade who helped us survive the first years of occupation.
Jennifer will always be in our hearts.
Yanar Mohammed
President of Organization of Women's Freedom in Iraq
August 30, 2010
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