2023-04-19 12:26:49 wrote:

I first met Ben at my first ASP in 2004, while working for Parliamentarians for Global Action. As a young professional practicing to fit in diplomatically, I tried to engage Ben in conversation by using what I thought were smart comments and compliments. He was then, and remained always elusive to these attempts, he kindly however always engaged and listened. Then he kept witty and on message. He was direct, critical and outspoken and imparted wisdom to ensure that the big picture, the central picture, the only picture remained the focus: outlawing war, ensuring a strong, impartial and universal institution that could enforce rules, realizing the rights of victims, and in these attempts, to never to give up. By keeping on message, and through his humbleness he remained impersonal, passionate but impartial, demonstrating that it was less about persons, and more about what persons, together, critical, brave, active and determined can achieve. I never thought that a few years later I would be joining the efforts to advance the criminalization of aggression, and in doing so remaining close to Ben, to Don and to their Law not War family, which has brought joy, hope and inspiration to my professional and personal life. I remain impressed by Ben's open criticism of American Foreign Policy and to humanitarian law for their permissiveness or intentional or negligent collusion. I was also inspired by his sensitivity to protecting armed forces from the victimization of leaders pursuing political objectives, while also refusing recognitions or participation in military parades, which he once told me, through martial music exalted the youth to kill with a false sense of justification. I have devoured his website, laughed and cry while going through his musings about his life and family and I am grateful that we have that of him, as well as his wisdom alive amongst so many. Ben's transition into the universe has made me think of the popular Epitaph of Jewish-American writer Merrit Jallow. Below is a humble adaptation of how I imagine Ben would rewrite it: When I die Give what’s left of me away To children And old men and women who await to die. And if you need to cry, Cry for your brothers and sisters, Walking the street beside you, awaiting justice. And when you need me, Put your arms Around anyone And give them What you need to give to me. Give them also, what I gave to you. I tried, and some say did leave a better world Now, I want to leave you something, Something better Than words Or sounds. Look for me in the words I have written In my life cause In the ideas I have pursued In the people I’ve known Or loved, And if you cannot give me away, At least let me live on in your eyes Let me live on in your actions And not your mind. You can love me most by never giving up And by letting go of children That need to be free. Love doesn’t die, people do. So, when all that’s left of me is love, Give me away.