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Independent Living News & Policy from the National Council on Independent Living

NCIL Mourns the Loss of Emet Tauber

It is with great sadness that we write to inform you about the passing of Emet Tauber. Emet was a Rabbi, activist, teacher, and friend to many. He was also a dedicated NCIL Board Member. Emet passed away on Monday evening surrounded by his friends and family. He was 24 years old.

Emet was a fierce disability rights and trans activist. He served in many roles in addition to his NCIL board position, including as a GLSEN National Advisory Council member. Emet was a teacher and a friend who over the course of his short life found countless ways to support and bring knowledge, joy, and hope to other queer and trans disabled people near and far. He continued to share his experiences with honesty and openness until the very end. Read a beautiful article about Emet published in January.

The disability community and NCIL have lost a wonderful friend and advocate. As Emet was a member of NCIL’s Board, his picture will be added to the Wall of Fame in NCIL’s office. Additionally, as we recently announced, this year we are introducing the Emet Tauber Youth Scholarship to our Annual Conference. Emet’s life was changed by the Youth Scholarship Fund and, as one of his final acts, he wanted to enable others to have the same opportunities as he did. Per Emet’s wishes, the Emet Tauber Youth Scholarship will be awarded each year to one national disabled youth who is also trans and/or Jewish in recognition of Emet’s activism within these communities.

The funeral for Emet is being held today, Wednesday, March 27 in Pennsylvania. Shiva will be observed in Philadelphia on Wednesday and Thursday, and in New York on Sunday through Tuesday. More information can be found on Emet’s Facebook page.

Emet will be truly missed by so many, and we would like to express our condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.

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