His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal, remembered as the father of modern Jordan, led his country through challenges to become an oasis of peace and stability in the Middle East. Born in 1935, Hussein experienced tragedy early in life when his grandfather, King Abdullah, was assassinated in 1951. Present with him at al-Aqsa mosque, Hussein survived the attack thanks to a medal his grandfather insisted he wear, which deflected a bullet.

Throughout his 47-year reign, King Hussein focused on improving Jordanians’ lives by investing in economic and industrial infrastructure. Believing that his people were Jordan’s greatest asset, he worked to ensure opportunities for all, including the less fortunate, disabled, and orphaned. King Hussein’s dedication to peace in the region was evident after the 1967 Arab-Israeli War, where he helped draft UNSC Resolution 242, advocating Israeli withdrawal from occupied Arab lands for peace. He also played a key role in the 1991 Madrid Peace Conference, supporting Palestinian negotiation efforts.

Hussein’s commitment to democracy, civil liberties, and human rights positioned Jordan as a model state. Under his leadership, Jordan’s human rights record was one of the most recognized in the region, with reforms bolstering its democratic path. Married to Queen Noor in 1978, King Hussein had two sons, Hamzah and Hashem, and two daughters, Iman and Raiyah. He was also father to King Abdullah II and other children from previous marriages. King Hussein passed away on February 7, 1999, remembered as a leader devoted to peace and progress.