Born: 1951 (Washington, D.C., USA)
Biography:
Noor Al Hussein, born Lisa Najeeb Halaby on August 23, 1951, in Washington, D.C., USA, is an American-born Jordanian philanthropist and activist. She is best known as the fourth wife and widow of King Hussein of Jordan and served as the Queen of Jordan from their marriage on June 15, 1978, until Hussein’s death on February 7, 1999.
Noor was born into a distinguished and accomplished family. Her father, Najeeb Halaby, was a Navy experimental test pilot, an airline executive, and a government official. He served as an aide to the United States Secretary of Defense in the Truman administration and later headed the Federal Aviation Administration, appointed by President John F. Kennedy. Her mother, Doris Carlquist, was of Swedish descent.
Raised in a multicultural environment, Noor’s paternal family was Syrian-Lebanese American, while her maternal family was Swedish American. She was brought up in the Episcopalian faith. Noor has a brother, Christian, and a younger sister, Alexa. Unfortunately, her parents divorced in 1977, marking a challenging period in her life.
Noor’s grandfather, Najeeb Elias Halaby, was a Syrian-Lebanese businessman born in Zahle. He was a petroleum broker and opened the Halaby Galleries, a rug boutique and interior-decorating shop, at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas, in the mid-1920s. Tragically, the business venture came to an end when Najeeb Halaby passed away shortly after its opening. Noor’s great-grandfather, Elias Halaby, arrived in the United States in 1891, becoming one of the earliest Syrian-Lebanese immigrants. He was not only a Christian but also a provincial treasurer. He left behind a legacy of entrepreneurship and determination.
Noor Al Hussein’s life took a significant turn when she met King Hussein, who courted her and proposed marriage. Their wedding on June 15, 1978, marked the beginning of a new chapter not only for Noor but also for the Jordanian monarchy. During her time as Queen, Noor Al Hussein had a lasting impact on Jordanian society. She actively supported various causes, including education, women’s empowerment, and healthcare.
Recognized for her dedication and work, Noor has received numerous awards and honors. In 2015, she was awarded Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson Award for her exceptional public service.
Today, Noor Al Hussein continues her commitment to humanitarian efforts and philanthropy. She is the longest-standing member of the Board of Commissioners of the International Commission on Missing Persons and serves as the president of the United World Colleges movement. Additionally, Noor is an advocate for the anti-nuclear weapons proliferation campaign Global Zero.
Noor Al Hussein’s life and work have left an indelible mark on women’s history, not just in Jordan but also around the world. Through her philanthropy and activism, she has inspired countless individuals and remains a strong voice for social change.
Awards:
– Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson Award for Public Service (2015)