Sid Sheinberg (In Memoriam 1935-2019)

“Sid Sheinberg used his intelligence, compassion, and extraordinary network of contacts to help build Human Rights Watch into an international organization.”

—Kenneth Roth, Executive Director, Human Rights Watch

Sid Sheinberg, who died in March 2019, was a legend in the US entertainment industry. He was best known professionally for launching Steven Spielberg’s career. Through much of his career, Sid was a leader in the civil rights movement and the battles for gender and LGBT equality. He brought that passion and principle to Human Rights Watch through his service as a board member for 24 years and as vice chair of the board for 13. He also jointly led our Los Angeles committee of supporters for more than a decade. We will always remember Sid as a mentor who was integral to building Human Rights Watch and defending its principles.