Several years ago, I learned of a colleague who wanted to volunteer his services in Palestine. I called him, and welcomed him to our group, which has been doing such work for over thirty years.
Piero Verro, MD had just retired. He was a professor of neurology at UC Davis. He was able to see many patients with difficult neurological conditions in Palestine. His depth of knowledge and experience became obvious to all. He lectured the medical staff and students at An-Najah University and demonstrated how to do a proper neurological exam. He covered in one hour what may take others months to accomplish.
Piero lived a very simple life. He shunned material things, publicity, and titles. He had no tolerance for nonsense. He was soft spoken, courteous and gentle.
As we got to know each other better, our discussions became more focused on what has been happening in Palestine. That matter troubled him a lot.
Piero was well read and extremely intelligent. He could easily read through the headlines and saw things for what they were. That, coupled with his sense of justice and compassion for the less fortunate, led him to a very deep commitment to help the Palestinian people. He made that very clear to me.
Piero, whose age is the same as mine, asked me to be the executor of his estate, hoping for that to be after a long time. My response was that I would do anything for a friend as compassionate and sincere as he was, after asking him to have another person in case he survives me. He warned me that it may take a lot of work, but that he will make it as simple as possible.
Piero passed away a few weeks ago. And as things unfolded, he was true to his word. Executing his estate has not been complicated, but emotionally draining. Dr. Verro left most of his estate to support various Palestinian organizations, with particular emphasis on scholarships.
As sad as it is to see him pass, he created a legacy that will be alive and well for a very long time.
It will live in the many young men and women who will have a chance to be educated and to realize their potential.
It will live in the beneficiaries of the projects that his generosity will fund.
It will live in the diabetic patients who will have better care in Palestine due to his support.
It will live through the many people who, like him, will wake up to the horrendous cruelty that is being inflicted on the Palestinian People.
Piero will be remembered as a giant of a man, whose intelligence, and his sense of fairness and justice, made him believe in the very just Palestinian cause, and who translated his beliefs into action.
Rest in eternal peace my dear friend. You are one of a kind, one who earned our love, respect and admiration.
The world could use a few more Pieros.
Eid B Mustafa, MD
Treasurer and Vice Chairman
The Jerusalem Fund for Education and Community Development
