Farewell to Richard Goodwin

Farewell to Richard Goodwin, a friend of our village, a partner in our educational projects, a stalwart believer in peace. He was both a dreamer and a practical man. He made his fortune in real estate, but will be remembered as a philanthropist. Giving was part and parcel of his nature. Not just Wahat al-Salam - Neve Shalom but many other organizations working for peace benefited from his generosity. But like a good grandparent, he made everyone believe they had a special place in his heart. Thus, the primary school, the School for Peace and other projects in the village were deeply thankful for his support.

Since he himself was a developer, he loved especially to contribute towards buildings and infrastructure. For a few of these projects, he also recruited his friends - some of whom first learned about the village from him. Never a bashful man, he transmitted to them his infectious enthusiasm and conviction.

We once made for him a folder showing the projects to which he contributed, and it included almost every public building; even a street was named after him. As WASNS development director Samah Salaime writes: "There is hardly a corner of our village that has not been touched by Richard’s generosity and spirit, and that spirit will remain alive, for us, in our schools, classrooms and gardens."

Richard was not a distant supporter but an active partner - visiting the village on every trip to the Middle East, taking part in the general meetings for our friends associations, and back home contributing his time, efforts and wise counsel also in the American Friends of Neve Shalom - Wahat al-Salam. He even founded an organization himself, the Middle East Peace and Dialogue Network, which continues after him.

Because he maintained warm personal relations with many people of us, he will be remembered not just as a supporter to our institutions but as a faithful friend. May his memory be blessed. Our sincere condolences to his friends, family and all those to whom he was dear.