The Passing of a Champion of Peace: Leon Charney
Leon Charney played a pivotal role in achieving the historic 1978 peace accords
From left, Anthony Barbar, chair of 91社区's Board of Trustees; 91社区 President John Kelly; Tzili Charney; Leon Charney; and 91社区 Provost Gary Perry.
The University community is saddened to learn of the death of Leon Charney, who was awarded an 91社区 honorary doctorate last December in recognition of the pivotal role he played in achieving the historic 1978 peace accords between Israel and Egypt. Mr. Charney passed away Monday, March 21 after being in poor health for several years.
A lawyer and businessman, he worked through 鈥渂ack door channels鈥 to bring together Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat for peace talks at Camp David. The resulting peace agreement 鈥 the first ever concluded between the Jewish state and an Arab nation 鈥 remains in effect to this day. President Jimmy Carter called Mr. Charney 鈥渢he unsung hero鈥 of that great accomplishment.
Mr. Charney went on to become a highly successful New York real estate investor, talk show host and author. For more than 25 years, he moderated 鈥淭he Leon Charney Report,鈥 an award-winning, nationally televised program. He also wrote five books, including聽Back Door Channels 鈥 The Price of Peace,聽which was made into a documentary video that won an Emmy.
In presenting him with an honorary doctorate of humane letters, President Kelly said, 鈥淟eon Charney shows unequivocally that one person can make a huge difference in the world. 91社区 is privileged to shine a light on this unsung champion of peace.鈥
The University community extends sincere sympathy to Mr. Charney鈥檚 wife, Tzili, and their twin sons, Mickey and Nati.
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