In Memoriam: Thomas Wasson Shot Dead in Jerusalem

Today at noon, the US Jerusalem Consulate General staff will observe a moment of silence in honor of the late Consul General Thomas C. Wasson (1896-1948), who lost his life in the line of duty in Jerusalem on May 23, 1948.

Wasson was most probably shot by Arabs, on Hess Street as he approached George Elliot Lane which leads to the Consulate entrance on Agron Street (newspaper report). He was returning from the French Consulate which borders the King David Hotel on the north.

Clipping from May 24, 1948:

found at Palestine Post archive

He was buried right next door at the Sisters of Rosmary Convent (pic here):

Among other recent activities of the Consulate General:-

Consul General Celebrates Mother's Day in Salfeet
American Consul General Daniel Rubinstein joined Palestinian women and their children on March 24 to celebrate Palestinian Mother's Day at the Salfeet Women's Charity. The event featured presentations by local children and a special performance by the Palestinian Shara'a Simsim (Sesame Street) muppets, Karim and Hanin.

U.S. Consulate General Inspires East Jerusalem Youth with America House Program
The U.S. Consulate General hosted 45 student participants from the ACCESS English Language program at the America House for a documentary film and discussion about the life of baseball player and racial equality pioneer Jackie Robinson.

Consul General Hosts Women’s Issues Roundtable
On March 9, Consul General Rubinstein met with representatives of Palestinian civil society in Ramallah. “There is a new generation of community activists, entrepreneurs, and future leaders that will need your guidance, encouragement and support as they strive to carry on your work and the work of those before you.”

U.S. Consulate General Donates New Book Collection to Mas'ha Children's Library
Over 100 books, including a complete set of Scholastic Books' My Arabic Library,were donated to the Mas'ha Children's library by the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem. With this book donation, the Mas'ha Library will be able to provide children a variety of reading materials designed to teach, entertain, and inspire.

American Guitar Legend Bill Kirchen Visits Jerusalem and West Bank
The U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem was pleased to present American musician Bill Kirchen for a Palestinian-American cultural exchange program that included live concert performances and workshops in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

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