On this Final Night of Chanukah, Shine Your Light to Remember Terry Fear

On this final night of the Jewish festival of lights, Chanukah​, at the darkest time of the year, I want to invite you to shine your light by sharing the inspiration of a light that has left us: The blessing of the memory of Terry Fear.

On Sept 24, 2020, Terry spent her day holding vigil by herself through the day, as the execution of Christopher Vialva approached. This is just after our press conference that morning. I invited Terry to come to lunch with us but she had plans to stay and pray. This was between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, and Terry was in reflection and prayer.

Vice President of the Interfaith Association of the Wabash Valley, and a member of the Terre Haute Death Penalty Resistance, Terry stood vigil outside the prison a week ago tonight while awaiting the execution of Brandon Bernard. She was not there on Friday night when Alfred Bourgeois was killed, but together we lit her menorah. We learned yesterday that she had died sometime on the weekend. Former federal defender Doug Passon wrote this tribute​.

We also learned today that COVID-19 has hit the federal death row, infecting Dustin Higgs, who is scheduled to be killed on January 15th. Because of this, Death Penalty Action has UPDATED the petition to incoming Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen to reflect yet another reason to call off the remaining federal executions. We aim to have this petition on his desk when he arrives to his new position next Wednesday. As I write this there are under 10,000 signers. Will you help get it over 100,000?

Only two human beings have the unilateral authority to stop the upcoming federal executions: The Attorney General, and the President.

Sign the new petition to acting AG Rosen.

There’s not much hope that the President will show mercy, so we’re asking the new acting Attorney General to act. Yes, in case you missed it, Attorney General Barr has resigned effective December 23rd. He will be replaced by Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen.

GOAL: We’ll deliver this petition on Wednesday, December 23rd, so that it is waiting for the new AG the day he starts in that position.

That’s right. One quick action: Click here to add your name to the Rosen petition.

(You need not live in the U.S: Anyone of any age may sign)

Thank you.

— abe

Abraham J. Bonowitz, Director

PS: ALSO: Death Row Survivor Ahmad Issa survived 22 years on Ohio’s death row for a crime he did not commit. He just celebrated one full year in freedom. He can use your help to resume his life in freedom. Click here to learn more and help him recover.