November 18

Born in Philadelphia in 1960, Gia Carangi began modeling at age 17 and quickly rose to fame in the late 1970s. She graced covers of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Cosmopolitan, becoming an icon of 1970s and '80s fashion. Carangi was celebrated for her bold presence and ability to convey raw emotion in photographs. Her career was cut short by personal struggles with addiction, leading to a decline in her health and professional opportunities. Carangi died from AIDS-related complications in 1986, one of the first high-profile women to succumb to the disease. Her life story inspired books, documentaries, and a feature film that highlighted the pressures of modeling.

Miron Grindea was a Romanian-born journalist who became a prominent literary editor in Britain. He founded the ADAM International Review in 1942, providing a platform for writers across Europe and the Americas. As editor, he championed new literary voices and introduced readers to translated works from around the world. Grindea organized cultural salons that attracted leading authors, critics, and artists of his time. His dedication to literary exchange helped bridge cultural divides during the mid-20th century. He remained at the helm of ADAM for over five decades, shaping the international literary landscape.

Tara Singh Hayer was a publisher and editor who founded the Indo-Canadian Times, one of Canada's leading South Asian newspapers. He used his platform to advocate for minority rights, free speech, and a moderate Sikh perspective. Hayer's outspoken criticism of extremism made him a target of violent threats and intimidation. In 1998, he survived an assassination attempt but continued his work undeterred. Later that year, he was tragically killed, highlighting the risks faced by journalists opposing extremist views. Hayer is remembered for his courage and commitment to journalistic integrity.

Peter Wintonick co-directed the acclaimed documentary "Manufacturing Consent: Noam Chomsky and the Media" in 1992. He founded and curated international documentary festivals, championing independent voices and critical storytelling. His work explored themes of media, politics, and social justice with insight and clarity. He received the Order of Canada for his contributions to the art of documentary film. A mentor to emerging filmmakers and a lecturer at universities worldwide, he inspired a generation of storytellers. Wintonick's legacy continues through his films and his steadfast advocacy for documentary as a force for change.

C. Rudhraiya directed the groundbreaking 1978 Tamil film "Aval Appadithan", celebrated for its feminist themes and experimental narrative. He blended avant-garde storytelling with mainstream cinema, challenging social norms in India. Collaborating with stars like Kamal Haasan and Saritha, he produced and directed films that pushed artistic boundaries. His work influenced a new wave of independent filmmaking in South India. Rudhraiya's vision and narrative innovation earned him a dedicated following. He is remembered as a bold filmmaker who expanded the language of Indian cinema.

Abdelhamid Abaaoud was identified by authorities as the planner of the coordinated November 2015 Paris terror attacks that claimed 130 lives. Having traveled to Syria to join ISIS, he rose to a senior operative role, recruiting and radicalizing young Europeans. His network executed attacks at multiple locations, including the Bataclan theatre and Stade de France. Abaaoud was killed during a police raid in Saint-Denis, France, in December 2015. His actions prompted Europe-wide security overhauls and intensified global counterterrorism efforts. Abaaoud remains a case study in extremist recruitment and operational planning.