Felice Gaer Baran

Class of 1968

A Message from Felice's Son, Hugh Baran

 

Felice Gaer Baran ’68, a renowned human rights advocate, passed away on November 9, 2024. Felice is survived by her husband, Dr. Henryk Baran, sons Adam & Hugh (& son-in-law Jacob), and siblings Arthur & Wendy.  

Felice received Wellesley’s 1995 Alumnae Achievement Award. For 30+ years, Felice directed the American Jewish Committee’s Jacob Blaustein Institute for the Advancement of Human Rights. Felice was the first American & first woman elected to the U.N. Committee Against Torture, and served on the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. At Wellesley, Felice was elected funniest person/best comedian in the Class of ‘68.

You can read Felice's full obituary here, and a lengthy article about her life published by the Jewish Standard newspaper in 2018 here.

Donations in Felice’s honor may be made as follows:

• To continue her legacy of advancing international human rights for all people, donations can be made to the Goodkind Human Rights Fellowship at AJC's Jacob Blaustein Institute, using this link and writing "Gift for JBI's Goodkind Fellowship" in the comment box. 
• To protect the rights of immigrant workers in New York and throughout the United States, donations can be made to Make the Road New York, using this link.

 

Photos and tributes can be sent to Felice's son Hugh (mailto:hugh.baran@protonmail.com or 201-218-4409).

 

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Hugh Baran (he/him)

hugh.baran@protonmail.com

c: 201-218-4409