Americans for Peace Now (APN) grieves the passing of Professor Gerald "Jerry" Bubis (z”l), who died Friday, August 21, at the age of 91. Our condolences go out to Jerry’s wife Ruby, son David Bubis, daughter Deena Libman, and grandchildren Rabbi Jonathan Bubis, Hannah Bubis and Molly Libman.
Jerry’s tremendous contributions for the benefit of the Jewish community, Israel, and thousands upon thousands of people, span a lifetime of leadership, service, and activism. He was a progressive icon who leaves behind an extraordinary legacy.
A founder, long-time board member and past national co-chair of APN, Jerry was an unwavering and seminal leader for the cause of peace for Israel. In the 1980s, Jerry was one of the earliest voices in the Jewish community advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The fact that Jerry stood firm in his view, despite it being deeply unpopular at the time, attests to his courage; the fact that his position was eventually adopted by the wider Jewish community and the world attests to his wisdom. While Jerry did not live to see his dream of Israeli-Palestinian peace and a two-state solution achieved, he never gave up, and inspires us all to never give up.
Jerry’s memory will be a blessing for us. We will always remember what you have accomplished for APN and for the cause of peace, security and democracy for Israel.
Some years ago, Jerry stepped down from serving on the APN Board of Directors. At that time his
fellow Board members established the annual "Professor Gerald B. Bubis Lecture" to be held in Southern
California. APN brought on Jerry's long-time congregation Valley Beth Shalom as a co-sponsor, and has now held
four informative and engaging events. An announcement regarding this fall’s lecture will be coming very soon,
and we look forward to remembering Jerry at that event in a way he so enjoyed and found meaningful -- through
education and discussion, characterized by respect for a range of viewpoints and perspectives.
Jerry was always the quintessential fundraiser. Jerry, ever the mensch, designated APN as one of the charities people can donate to in order to honor his memory. We are honored. To the extent you wish to do this, we will inform his family of the contribution.
May the mourners be comforted and Jerry’s memory be for a blessing.
To read more about Jerry’s extraordinary life and legacy of service, as well as information about his wishes for being remembered, please see this obituary in the Los Angeles Jewish Journal.