Following are reflections by APN's former President and CEO Debra DeLee, on her close friend, APN Board Member Sidney (Sid) Topol, who passed away last week:
"I just want to live long enough to stand on the White House lawn as the peace agreement is being signed."
For days now I've been hearing Sid Topol’s voice in my ear, repeating his oft'- stated desire to have a front seat as the Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the occupation are officially ended.
It's always hard to lose a friend, but Sid was so much more. I loved Sid, and I admired him. I learned much from him, and begrudgingly, he learned some things from me as well. He could make me laugh, and he could get me more frustrated and angrier than almost anyone I've known, and vice versa. A true Jewish friendship!
Being asked to write some personal thoughts about Sid gave me a way to structure the plethora of memories that have been swirling through my mind these past few days.
Much has been written over the past week about Sid's many accomplishments. They are significant and enduring. I'd like to share instead some of those things that I found to be so special, endearing and unique about Sid beyond those achievements.