Inna lilla wa inna ilayhi rajioun. IHRC is devastated to hear of the loss of our former colleague and friend Aaron Varricchio in December 2023.
Aaron (also known as Haroon) worked with us during the latter part of the 2000s, primarily as a campaigns officer. His contribution to IHRC’s work was enormous and his dedication to the causes he gave so much care and attention to, is evidence of his sincere devotion to the oppressed. He worked beyond what was required, and was instrumental in bringing many campaigns to life, including the campaign for justice for the Uighurs, the 24/7 vigil outside the Israeli Embassy during Operation Cast Lead and many, many more.
We offer our deepest condolences to his family. He was a truly exceptional man and is truly missed.
May Allah swt raise Brother Aaron’s station. Ameen.
To Allah we belong, and to Him we return.
Tributes from friends and colleagues
From Dr. Seyfeddin Kara:
From the right, Aaron with Brian Haw and others at the 24/7 vigil outside the Israeli Embassy in London, during Operation Cast Lead.
“Haroon was one of the sincerest and sweetest individuals I have ever known. He exemplified true devotion, wholeheartedly committing himself to his faith, family, and friends. It has been a great honour to know him and share in a meaningful friendship for 20 years. We will miss him deeply.”
Aaron (l) at the ‘Human Rights and Israel at 60’ conference.
From Massoud Shadjareh:
“I was very saddened to hear the news of our dear brother Haroon. He was a friend and colleague having been a campaign officer at IHRC some years ago. He was a gentle soul with a big heart in fighting for justice for the oppressed. It is impossoble to forget his tremendous contribution to IHRC. In particular, I will always remember his vigorous efforts during protests and demonstrations when Operation Cast Lead was ongoing – he and others from IHRC maintained a 24 hour vigil outside the Zionist occupier’s embassy. He was also arrested by the police several times after laying down in the middle of Kensington High Street in protest. May Allah’s mercy be upon him forever Insha Allah.”
From Faiza Haq:
“He was a beautiful man with an angelic face. I remember the day I saw his beautiful family in IHRC. I was so mesmerised by his small family – a cute little baby girl and a beautiful spouse. He was so helpful in the premises and extremely well mannered. He was a revert with struggles yet I always saw him smiling. May he rest in peace in the highest abode of Jannah. Amen. ”
From Samira Quraishy:
“Aaron was a true gentleman, with the most beautiful of manners and humbleness. He was a passionate advocate for human rights, a humble and diligent co-worker and a gentle soul, who loved his family and friends very much. I will always remember his warm smile and his beautiful adab and akhlaaq. May he be smiling right now, in the company of angels and sweet scents of Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.”
Form Arzu Merali:
Aaron at the ‘Uighurs: Forgotten Muslims of China’ exhibition launch, which he was instrumental in bringing about.
“There are few really exceptional, unworldly, kind and quietly courageous people in the world. We were really blessed to have known one of those in our friend and colleague Aaron. We have missed him since he left the UK, and mourn him since his departure from this world. My memories of Aaron are of a truly good, gentle and compassionate man – such a rarity in an increasingly toxic world. He has left an indelible mark on our lives through his friendship, his example and his extraordinary work for the oppressed. May Allah swt reward him for all his efforts. Ameen.”
Help us reach more people and raise more awareness by sharing this page
ILWILR: In Memoriam Aaron Varricchio
Inna lilla wa inna ilayhi rajioun. IHRC is devastated to hear of the loss of our former colleague and friend Aaron Varricchio in December 2023.
Aaron (also known as Haroon) worked with us during the latter part of the 2000s, primarily as a campaigns officer. His contribution to IHRC’s work was enormous and his dedication to the causes he gave so much care and attention to, is evidence of his sincere devotion to the oppressed. He worked beyond what was required, and was instrumental in bringing many campaigns to life, including the campaign for justice for the Uighurs, the 24/7 vigil outside the Israeli Embassy during Operation Cast Lead and many, many more.
We offer our deepest condolences to his family. He was a truly exceptional man and is truly missed.
May Allah swt raise Brother Aaron’s station. Ameen.
To Allah we belong, and to Him we return.
Tributes from friends and colleagues
From Dr. Seyfeddin Kara:
“Haroon was one of the sincerest and sweetest individuals I have ever known. He exemplified true devotion, wholeheartedly committing himself to his faith, family, and friends. It has been a great honour to know him and share in a meaningful friendship for 20 years. We will miss him deeply.”
From Massoud Shadjareh:
“I was very saddened to hear the news of our dear brother Haroon. He was a friend and colleague having been a campaign officer at IHRC some years ago. He was a gentle soul with a big heart in fighting for justice for the oppressed. It is impossoble to forget his tremendous contribution to IHRC. In particular, I will always remember his vigorous efforts during protests and demonstrations when Operation Cast Lead was ongoing – he and others from IHRC maintained a 24 hour vigil outside the Zionist occupier’s embassy. He was also arrested by the police several times after laying down in the middle of Kensington High Street in protest. May Allah’s mercy be upon him forever Insha Allah.”
“He was a beautiful man with an angelic face. I remember the day I saw his beautiful family in IHRC. I was so mesmerised by his small family – a cute little baby girl and a beautiful spouse. He was so helpful in the premises and extremely well mannered. He was a revert with struggles yet I always saw him smiling. May he rest in peace in the highest abode of Jannah. Amen. ”
From Samira Quraishy:
“Aaron was a true gentleman, with the most beautiful of manners and humbleness. He was a passionate advocate for human rights, a humble and diligent co-worker and a gentle soul, who loved his family and friends very much. I will always remember his warm smile and his beautiful adab and akhlaaq. May he be smiling right now, in the company of angels and sweet scents of Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.”
Form Arzu Merali:
“There are few really exceptional, unworldly, kind and quietly courageous people in the world. We were really blessed to have known one of those in our friend and colleague Aaron. We have missed him since he left the UK, and mourn him since his departure from this world. My memories of Aaron are of a truly good, gentle and compassionate man – such a rarity in an increasingly toxic world. He has left an indelible mark on our lives through his friendship, his example and his extraordinary work for the oppressed. May Allah swt reward him for all his efforts. Ameen.”
Help us reach more people and raise more awareness by sharing this page
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