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In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Professor Reuben Ahroni, Friend of the Middle East Studies Center

We received the news last Friday, that our colleague, friend and long-time supporter of our Center, Dr. Reuben Ahroni, passed away on October 28, 2015, at age 83.  We remember him fondly as a great scholar and storyteller, and one who never turned any of our requests down. He lead, took part in or supported numerous events, programs and courses of the Center over the years.  For example, he directed the Summer Workshop for Teachers and the Eastern Consortium in Persian and Turkish.  He was a regualr guest speaker in our courses, and a great host for our guests.  His input into our Title VI proposals was invaluable. The outpouring of comments from colleagues and friends attests to his kind and generous character.

The Director and Assistant Director of the Middle East Studies Center truly cherished his personal friendship. That friendship became an asset to students, as well, because our conversations would spark marvelous storytelling sessions in our workshops and courses.  He would tell the story of arriving in Israel "on the wings of the eagle", when he was only around 14 years old. In 1949-50 the U.S. loaned DC3 planes to Israel to transport Yemeni Jews to Israel. The Israeli Government named it Operation on Wings of Eagles, also known as Operations Magic Carpet. Dr. Ahroni wrote a book referring to the operation with the subtitle “Carpet without Magic”. More on his migration story and his character is in this piece written about him for an issue of Hebrew Annual Review dedicated to him. We celebrate the rich life he led, and the immense wisdom and knowledge he shared while he was alive, but he and his support will be sorely missed.