David Miliband — miliband with roots in the Russian Empire
David Miliband served as UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (2007-2010) and was a leading contender for Labour Party leadership before his brother Ed narrowly defeated him. He subsequently became President and CEO of the International Rescue Committee, one of the world's largest humanitarian organisations.
Tracing the roots — UK
His grandfather Abraham Miliband was a Russian-Jewish immigrant who fled anti-Semitism and eventually settled in Britain. His father Ralph became one of Britain's most celebrated Marxist political philosophers. David has spoken movingly about how his family's refugee history — escaping persecution in the Russian Empire and its successor states — informs his commitment to the world's displaced people.
A career defined by ambition
"My family were refugees. That is not abstract for me."