The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) extends its deepest sympathies and condolences to the family of Dr. David Khairallah, who passed away early Sunday morning. Dr. Khairallah was a well-respected attorney, community advocate, a longtime supporter of ADC and served on the National Board of Directors. Dr. Khairallah was born in Bhamdoun, Lebanon on February 18, 1937. He is survived by his wife, Lois Maidment, whom he married in 1975.
ADC Chairman Dr. Safa Rifka states, “I had the privilege of knowing Dr. Khairallah for many years. He was a scholar, intellectual, a humanitarian and a dear friend. He was always there to support the community, which is evident by his many appearances at ADC events, and continuous support of the organization. His loss will be felt by many, and at this moment we pray for his wife Lois and the rest of the family.”
After graduating from the Lebanese University and the University of Michigan Law School Ann Arbor and earning his SJD David Khairallah worked with the World Bank Group for almost 25 years, where he was Deputy General Counsel to the World Bank from 1994-2000. Prior to that he was Deputy General Counsel to the International Finance Corporation. After the World Bank, he joined the law firm of White & Case, where he worked with clients on combating corruption in international business transactions. He also was an adjunct professor at Georgetown law school. He was a member of the Beirut, Virginia and DC Bar, a member of the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission, and served on the boards of a number of international organizations.
David was the embodiment of his dual upbringing. The village life of Bhamdoun planted in him deep traditional values, a steadfast sense of justice and an unwavering resilience in the face of challenges. America’s imprint on him was apparent in his faith in participatory politics, his disdain for passivity and his conviction that political change comes through reason and law. The foundation of his outlook is that politics should be ethical and not only pragmatic, hence his lifelong focus on fighting corruption. Untiringly, he lectured and wrote about clean and decent governments, publishing two books and many articles and appeared on numerous TV programs on the subject. He applied the same moral outlook to his views on national identity, believing that it should be just and respectful of human rights. As such, he rejected predatory nationalism based on ethnic or religious identities.
David’s belief in morality and ethics extended beyond his politics to his personal life, making him a loving husband and a loyal friend. He was an avid reader, loved Arabic poetry and literature, a gourmet, and an enthusiastic dabke dancer. He will be remembered both for his intellect and his love for life.