Freedom House Grieves Loss of Peter Ackerman, Former Board Chair

It is with deep sorrow that we received news of the sudden passing of Peter Ackerman, who served on the Freedom House Board of Trustees from 2000–08, and was board chairman from 2005–08.

“Peter was a true champion of freedom. His passion and work on behalf of nonviolent civic resistance reminds us that lofty words of support for democracy are nothing if we do not summon the bravery to stand against tyranny,” said Michael J. Abramowitz, president of Freedom House. “Peter was greatly supportive of Freedom House and its mission, generous with his time and counsel, and a fierce defender of democracy. We will miss him greatly, and extend our sympathies to his wife, Joanne, and his sons, Elliot and Nate.”