Following the sad announcement earlier this morning, the news of the passing of Miriam May, the former CEO of Friends of the Arava Institute (FAI), strikes us with astonishment and great sadness. In such an event, even the anticipated is unexpected, and the sorrow is deep and hurting.
On behalf of the board of directors, management, faculty, and administration of the Arava Institute, we express our profound sorrow at the passing of Miriam May, may her memory be blessed forever. Under Miriam’s leadership and guidance, the Friends of the Arava Institute in the United States established a stable organizational and financial infrastructure to support the Arava Institute. She was a transformative leader who led FAI from a small, at times struggling, organization to a strong and successful one that ensured that the Arava Institute would continue to thrive and grow. Under her leadership, Miriam expanded the FAI’s base of donors, dramatically increased support for the Institute, enabled the expansion and introduction of new exciting projects, and expanded the impact of the Institute in our region. Miriam will be remembered not only for her tangible successes but also for her kind and generous spirit. Recently, Miriam went above and beyond by selecting and ensuring alternative leadership for FAI and an orderly and smooth transfer of the management baton while she was still at her best. An example and role model for a personality of stature.
The Arava Institute for Environmental Studies cherishes and appreciates Miriam’s contribution to the prosperity of the Institute, and her memory will be immortalized forever in our work for the promotion of a prosperous, fair, and sustainable neighborhood in our region.
Eilon Adar
Chair, Arava Institute Board of Directors
&
Tareq Abu Hamed
Arava Institute Executive Director
