Harb Nasif Harb

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Harb Nasif Harb, who departed this life peacefully on December 9th, 2024, at the remarkable age of 97. Funeral service to honor his memory will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11:30 AM at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Rock Island, Illinois; visitation will be before the service starting at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers memorials in Harb’s name may be made to The American Federation of Ramallah Palestine Medical Mission or St. George Greek Orthodox Church.

Harb, an extraordinary business entrepreneur, political activist, community leader, father, and "Sido" was born in Ramallah, Palestine in 1928 to Nasif and Zarifeh Harb. A proud Palestinian, Harb was a beacon of resilience, strength, and dignity, leaving behind a legacy that will endure for generations.

Harb dedicated his life to his family, his community, and the Palestinian cause, standing steadfast against the injustices of occupation. He lived a remarkable life filled with purpose and accomplishment despite the challenges he faced. With unwavering determination and vision, Harb cultivated successful businesses that not only brought him personal success but also helped shape Palestine’s economy and provide economic opportunities for its people. Recognizing that access to capital and information would empower his countrymen and women and encourage their participation in public life, Harb established a private credit system and modernized the distribution of television and radio broadcasting throughout the country at a time when few had access to such tools. Harb was one of the pioneers in enhancing marketing tools to promote his businesses. He later founded Palestine’s first cement Production and Distribution Company, contributing to building the infrastructure in his homeland.

Harb was a man of wisdom and intellect. He was fluent in Arabic, English, and Hebrew, and maintained his mental acuity until his final days. Harb was dedicated to helping his community and served as an elected member of the Ramallah Municipal Council, the Chairperson of the Red Crescent Society in Palestine, and several other boards including the Ramallah Hospital, the Electricity Company of Jerusalem, the Water Public Company, and the Ramallah Summer Resort Company. Harb refused to allow the loss of his sight in his later years to hinder him and maintained his independence after the passing of his beloved wife, Salwa Harb, with the support of family and friends.

Harb instilled the values of discipline, hard work, and lifelong learning in the four children, eleven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren he leaves behind. Harb’s ability to forge connections and bring people together was unparalleled. Respected by all who knew him as “El Khal” (uncle), he was often called upon to resolve conflicts with wisdom, empathy, and fairness. Harb’s unwavering support and guidance to his family was the foundation for their achievements in the fields of medicine, law, business, and public service. His memory lives on in the values he taught, the lives he touched, and the legacy he leaves behind.

Harb will be remembered for his leadership, entrepreneurial brilliance, and deep love for his family. As we say goodbye, we imagine Harb sharing this final chant he would joyfully sing with his children and grandchildren, not with sorrow but with the love that united our family throughout the years:

“Meen Karkoor Seeedo?” (Who is adored by their grandfather?)

“Eeeeno!” (We all are!)

Harb is survived by his daughters Amal (Dr. Fayez Shamieh), Dr. Taroub (Dr. Ghassan) Faramand; sons, Dr. Nidal (Dr. Sana) Harb, Dr. Gus (Dr. Irene) Harb; grandchildren Dr. Samer (Jenna), Attorney Ramez (Annisa), Dr. Catherine, Attorney Razan (Chris), Dr. Harb Jr., Dr. Rawan (Dr. Mike), Hanin (Dr. Steven), Attorney Ghassan, Elizabeth (Ryan), Dr. Christine and David; great-grandchildren; Rami, Karam, Narah, Rhea, Adeeb, Ameera, Noah, Zealand, Sasha, Ava, Rennan and Fayez (Fozzy).

May he rest in peace and eternal harmony.