By Tareq Abu Hamed, Executive Director, Arava Institute
Delivered at Miriam May’s Funeral, January 2, 2024
Miriam z”l touched my and my family’s lives in ways words can hardly express. In just a two hour visit to my home in East Jerusalem she managed to capture the hearts of my wife and kids.
Miriam was a great leader who transformed the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies from a small to a thriving and successful organization. Put simply, she took us to another league. Miriam expanded the base of supporters and friends of the Institute that enabled us to expand our work beyond Israel and Palestine.
Miriam was a friend who was always there, in good times and in bad. She was a mom for everyone she knew, she was a mom for her staff, Arava Institute staff, and hundreds of Arava Institute Alumni. Her friendship was a gift that brought us immense trust, confidence, comfort, and love.
She was not just a friend; she was a constant source of strength, light, and warmth, a force of nature whose energy and spirit were as boundless as her capacity to love. She knew the value of hard work, the importance of honesty, and the strength of humility.
Miriam, you were a blessing in our lives, a light that never dimmed. You were a friend who left footprints of love and kindness on our hearts. As we say goodbye, know that your spirit will continue to live on in the Institute and in our memories. All Arava Institute staff will miss you, you were our guiding star, greatest mentor, and the dearest friend.
Rest in peace, dear Miriam. You will be missed, but your belief in peace, your love, and your light will forever shine bright in our hearts, and will continue to surround and guide us.
On behalf of all Arava Institute staff and Board, our sincere condolences to the May and Cohen Family.
