Edinburgh Direct Aid and Denis and Jeanne Rutovitz
Tabled 15 October 2026 by Dr Scott Arthur
That this House pays tribute to Denis Rutovitz and Jeanne Rutovitz as they step down as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively of Edinburgh Direct Aid; recognises Denis as the founder of the charity and acknowledges the decades of leadership, compassion and commitment that he and Jeanne have devoted to humanitarian causes; notes with admiration Denis's initiative in delivering aid into Sarajevo during the siege of the city, during which he was wounded by sniper fire while undertaking humanitarian work; further notes their contribution to relief efforts supporting communities affected by conflict, poverty and natural disasters in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Palestine, Pakistan, Ukraine and elsewhere; commends their role in establishing Edinburgh Direct Aid as one of Scotland's most respected humanitarian organisations, mobilising volunteers and practical support for some of the world's most vulnerable people; and expresses its sincere gratitude to Denis and Jeanne for their remarkable service, dedication and inspiration over many years, wishing them both a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.