Americans for Peace Now (APN) mourns the death of Ambassador Samuel Lewis, a distinguished American diplomat and a leading expert on US Middle East policy, a staunch supporter of Arab-Israeli peace, a true friend of Israel and an influential activist for Israeli-Palestinian peace.

APN's President and CEO Debra DeLee said: "Sam's passing is a terrible loss to the peace movement and to those who knew him and deeply appreciated him as a human being. He was a man with a big intellect and a big heart, whose pro-peace positions were guided by a moral compass and by a deep commitment to the national security of the United States and to the wellbeing of the state of Israel.

"As the U.S. ambassador to Israel in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Sam was deeply involved in brokering the Israel-Egypt peace treaty under President Carter and in implementing the agreement. This was a formative experience for him, which made him into an invaluable dynamo working for Middle East peace in Washington, both publicly and behind the scenes. Due to the power of his intellect, his charm and his gravitas, Sam was a pro-peace powerhouse in Washington, influencing policy-makers and policy-shapers to never give up on peace for Israel and her neighbors.

"Above all, Sam was a mensch. He was not only respected but truly loved by those who knew him for his kindness, his mild manners, his delicate sense of humor and his modesty.

"We send our condolences to Sam's family. His memory will be a blessing and an inspiration for us all."