Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Ron Pundak Obituary
Pundak helped initiate backdoor channels of communications with the Palestinians that paved the way for interim peace accords between the two sides.
The agreements - known as the Oslo Accords, after the secret talks in Norway that preceded them - created the Palestinian Authority and set up autonomous zones for the Palestinians.
The landmark talks ultimately failed to yield a final peace agreement and two decades later, peace remains elusive and the latest Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiation are in disarray. Israeli President Shimon Peres eulogized Pundak as a "warrior for peace," saying on Friday that Pundak "dedicated his entire adult life to the fight for peace between us and our neighbors."
"He was a passionate man for whom peace burned like an eternal flame," Peres said. "It is hard to describe our talks with the Palestinians without mentioning his contribution."
Peres said Pundak "never gave up" pushing for peace with the Palestinians, "even when the situation seemed desperate."
U.N. Mideast envoy Robert Serry issued a statement mourning Pundak's passing. "I knew Ron as somebody tirelessly working for peace," Serry said. "His legacy lives on in the hope that peace will one day be achieved and in the vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security."
Pundak is survived by a wife and other family members. No details of funeral arrangements were immediately available.
Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
21 Entries
Michael Docherty
August 1, 2014
I only found out about Ron's death today. Having met him for the last time in early spring during what was presumably his last trip to Europe I cannot really say I am surprised as at that time it seemed to be sheer willpower which kept him going. Over the past 6 years I met Ron on a number of occasions and could not fail to be impressed with his patent sincerity and determination not to stop struggling politically and personally in the face of what seemed to be overwhelming odds. My condolences to his family and friends.
May 14, 2014
I was lucky enough to have Ron Pundak as my teacher. He always probed me to think about important issues with humility, patience, and diligence. He was a very unique and special man, who made his students feel like his equal. I feel his loss everyday.
The Carters
April 21, 2014
"He will render judgment among the nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, nor will they learn war anymore"--Isaiah 2:4. It was Ron's desire to see the fulfillment of this promise during his lifetime, and he worked tirelessly to achieve this on a small scale. As prospective citizens of God's Kingdom, we await patiently to live on a peaceful earth eternally. Our deepest sympathy for your loss!
How you can show support
Shay
April 17, 2014
May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time in your lives. We all yearn for better conditions. It's refreshing to know that God's word speaks of a time when all sorrows will be gone and that mankind will live in beautiful surroundings with nothing to fear.-Isaiah 65:17,21
RR
April 17, 2014
Very sorry to hear of your great loss.
We all long for true peace Ron Pundak did.
God will bring about real peace and freedom from death for all mankind to enjoy.
April 13, 2014
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
April 13, 2014
Blessed are the peacemakers.
April 13, 2014
With deepest condolences. We are never prepared for such a deep loss so I hope you find some comfort in the memories & joys you had and know sickness, pain and death that we deal with now will one day be no more for this has been promised to us.
April 12, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
Cynthia
April 12, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Mary Smith
April 12, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family. May God comfort you in your time of sorrow. 1 Pe. 5:7
April 12, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. I hope you can find comfort in the words written at (Jeremiah 29:11,12)
April 12, 2014
Pundak Family,
We were sadden to hear about the loss of your dear husband. Our sincere prayers are with you and the family. Cherish his memories. Talk to God for he is the Hearer of prayer-PS.65:2
Deepest Sympathy
Cg
April 12, 2014
May the Pundak family draw close to God during this time of grief and His Word assures us that he will draw close to you. (James 4:8) Please accept my condolence at this time.
April 11, 2014
Rest in peace
SHORTY KOPPELMAN
April 11, 2014
The Koppelman's all loved you and we wish to always remember you..~Shorty
April 11, 2014
SOON GOD'S KINGDOM WILL BRING ABOUT PEACE TO ALL..UNTIL THEN WE PRAY FOR THAT KINGDOM TO COME AND HIS WILL TO BE DONE HERE ON EARTH,THIS INCLUDE DOING AWAY WITH DEATH...MATT.6:9-13...CONDOLENCE TO YOU...DEE
April 11, 2014
I'm so sorry for your loss and may Almighty God bring comfort to the family.
April 11, 2014
What a great man! I didn't know him personally but he made an impact on the world. May you rest in peace. Condolences to the family.
April 11, 2014
Sorry for the loss of a man who contributed so much. May you find comfort in the hearer of prayer at this time.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Ron Pundak's name
How to support Ron's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ron Pundak's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored