Loading ...Immigration Lawyer, Palestinian Philanthropist Fred Ajluni Dies at 89
SOURCE: DETROIT FREE PRESS
BY: MARYANN STRUMAN
Karim Farid “Fred” Ajluni, an immigration lawyer who helped establish metro Detroit as one of the largest Arab-American immigrant communities in the country, died on Wednesday of natural causes.
He was 89.
Born in Ramallah, Palestine, a few miles north of Jerusalem, he immigrated to Detroit in 1948. He graduated from Wayne State University and Wayne State University Law School.
He specialized in immigration law.
“His is the immigrant’s story, an example of how a young man can leave his homeland in search of a better life with new opportunities and come to the ‘land of opportunity’ to live the American dream,” said his son, Dr. Sam Aljuni.
As an immigration lawyer, he helped to bring people from all over the world to metro Detroit, initially starting with Middle Eastern countries like Syria, Egypt and Yemen, and then extending to other regions, such as eastern Europe after the fall of the Soviet Union and many African nations like Nigeria.
But he is perhaps most remembered for his contributions to the community and building diversity in metro Detroit.
He helped found the American Federation of Ramallah, Palestine, one of the largest Palestinian-American social organizations in the country which serves to socially unify the more than 30,000 U.S. citizens of Ramallah heritage. He also was one of the founders of the Hathihe Ramallah magazine, which serves to provide social connection to all the people in America who are immigrants from Ramallah.
Ajluni also helped establish the Arab American National Museum and the Arab World Festival in Hart Plaza, and served on the board of ACCESS.
Sam Ajluni spoke of his father, “In Arabic, Karim means generous and my father was the epitome of generosity. He gave his heart and soul to helping people build a new life for themselves in our country as well as promote the culture of his homeland. He was a visionary who was loved and respected throughout the entire community.”
Ajluni was a resident of Beverly Hills for over 50 years and married his wife, Suheila, in 1957. They had five children and 12 grandchildren.
He and his wife were members of the Anthony Wayne Society at Wayne State University and were instrumental in building the Arabic Cultural Room in Manoogian Hall, bringing artwork and artifacts from throughout the Arab world to put on display.
The couple also helped found the Friends of Bir Zeit University in Ramallah, establishing a charity to provide scholarships.
Ajluni served as the Consul of Jordan from 1963-1976, and later was made Honorary Consul for life, which afforded him the opportunity to meet some of the most iconic personalities of the century, including Albert Einstein, numerous U.S. presidents, various governors, ambassadors and royalty.
He was predeceased by his wife, Suheila, and grandson, Kevin.
Surviving are his children, sons Maher and Dr. Samir, daughters Giselle Hatch, Marianne Varley and Suzanne Gastineau; and 11 grandchildren.
Visitation is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. A service will be held at 7 p.m. on both days.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Jan. 25, at Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church, 1340 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Kirk in the HIlls Presbyterian Church, the Arab-American National Museum or the American Ramallah Federation Human Services Network.