Etan Ben-Ami

Etan Ben-Ami September 17, 1955 - February 24, 2025 Etan Ben-Ami passed away February 24, 2025 after a long hospitalization. Etan attended Stuyvesant High School in NYC, received a BA in Biology/Psychology in 1977 from Columbia College and an MSW Clinical Concentration from Wayne State University School of Social Work in 1999. Etan was licensed as a LSCW in New York and Michigan. A true Renaissance man, Etan was on the team that created the first MRI and worked as a cybersecurity expert in the 1980s and 90s. In the early 1980s, Etan became interested in holography and high-resolution computer graphics and worked with holographer Jody Burns with computer software to pre-visualize holographic exposures used in creating holograms designed by Israeli artist Agam. Also in the 1980s, Etan pursued his interest in poetry, studying with Alice Notley, among others at the Poetry Project. He co-edited and produced the local 'Cheap Review of Poetry' in part as a challenge to the increasingly stifling professionalism in poetry and the arts. Before his death, Etan maintained a psychotherapy practice and explored his passion and skill as an abstract photographer, exhibiting in juried and open art shows. Etan played the guitar, banjo, harmonica, clarinet and various percussive instruments. At the time of his death, he was also learning to play the ud, a Turkish string instrument. He loved art, all kinds of music, naturism, and taught himself neuroscience. Etan identified as a Zionist, an atheist, leaned libertarian and maintained a strong and proud connection to many Jewish traditions. He was brilliant, compassionate and funny. Etan leaves behind his adoring and beloved wife, Amy Ruth Tobol, his brother Gil (Tracy), sister Leora, brother-in-law Mitch (Pam), nieces Johanna (Charles), Hannah (Michael), Sarah (Jon), Sarah (Giancarlo), nephews Charlie and Jacob and grand-nephew Evan. Etan is also survived by a multitude of loving cousins in Israel as well as the tri-state area. We encourage you to donate in Etan's honor in support of the amazing staff and nurses who took care of Etan at home, in the hospital, and in hospice, and/or the Prospect Park Alliance as his love for the park is reflected in many of his photographs.

1. VNS Health NYC https://www.vnshealth.org/in-the-community/giving/

2. NYU Langone Nurses Wellness and Resiliency Fund https://give.nyulangone.org/funds/honor-nyu-langone-nurses/

3. The Prospect Park Alliance https://donate.prospectpark.org/give/238106/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=website&c_src2=DonateButton