Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Another Halifax stalwart in the progressive and anti-imperialist movement has transitioned: Gary Zatzman, a passionate Marxist-Leninist, steadfast anti-war activist, and resolute supporter of the Palestinian cause passed away on July 24, 2024, at the age of 74. His unwavering dedication to justice and equality left an indelible mark on all who knew him and the many lives he touched through his activism and writings.
Gary grew up with a keen sense of social justice and a profound empathy for the oppressed. His early years were marked by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a deep-seated desire to understand the world's complexities. This intellectual curiosity led him to embrace Marxism-Leninism, a framework through which he sought to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression and exploitation. Throughout his life, Gary was a tireless advocate for peace and social justice. He believed in the power of collective action and the necessity of solidarity among the working class and all oppressed peoples. His commitment to anti-war activism was unwavering, as he consistently opposed imperialist interventions and fought for the rights of those affected by war and conflict. Gary's voice was a beacon of reason and compassion in a world often dominated by violence and aggression.
Gary's dedication to the Palestinian cause was a central pillar of his activism. He stood in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, centered on restoring the national rights of the Palestinian people and enabling them to exercise their right to self-determination within their own territory. He worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the plight of Palestinians, challenging disinformation and highlighting the human rights violations they faced. Gary's efforts extended beyond mere advocacy; he actively participated in protests, organized educational events, and collaborated with various organizations to amplify the Palestinian struggle.
In addition to his activism, Gary was a prolific writer and speaker. He contributed numerous articles and essays to various publications, dissecting complex geopolitical issues with clarity and insight. He was the co-editor of the acclaimed Dossier On Palestine. Many of his contributions appeared in the much respected (and much missed) Shunpiking Magazine. In his later years, Gary specialized in energy resource economics and worked as a researcher and teacher at Dalhousie University. He wrote and co-authored several books, including, Sustainable Energy Pricing: Nature, Sustainable Engineering & the Science of Energy Pricing; Sustainable Resource Development; Intangibles in the Big Picture (co-authored with Rafiqul Islam); Reconstituting the Curriculum (co-authored with M. Rafiq Islam and Jaan S. Islam); The Greening of Pharmaceutical Engineering:; Applications for Mental Disorder Treatments (co-authored with M.R. Islam, J.S. Islam, and G.M. Zatzman) Volumes 1 & 2; Economics of Intangibles (co-authored with Rafiqul Islam).
We cannot forget his devotion to his life partner and comrade, Rhoda Shapiro, who he met in the course of his work and activism and fell deeply in love with. When she became immobilized due to illness, Gary stayed at her side to the end, exhibiting the compassion and dedication that characterized his public political life.
During my time as History editor of Shunpiking Magazine and in the many trenches of struggle we shared, I always valued (and was in awe) of Gary's analytical insights and encyclopedic knowledge: an erudition rarely matched.
¡Gary Zatzman Presente!
