Dr. Warren G. Karesh passed away on Tuesday, August 25, quieting a voice that added greatly to our Jewish community.
Warren and his wife, Mimi, were active participants in United Jewish Federation of Tidewater activities throughout their time in Hampton Roads. Warren and Mimi cared deeply about our community, their Judaism, and about Israel.
Until their move to Washington, D.C. to be closer to children and grandchildren, Warren and Mimi could always be counted on to show up for UJFT and JCC events, especially for visiting speakers discussing issues focused on Israel. Warren rarely missed an opportunity to ask a probing question during these speaker sessions.
I last talked to Warren in April, having called to discuss his Federation gift. We had a very pleasant conversation and Warren committed to a gracious gift, despite fighting cancer and dealing with the confines of a COVID quarantine. The success of our Federated campaign was important to Warren and Mimi.
When we next are able to host a live speaker on the Reba and Sam Sandler Family Campus, I will think of Warren and try to honor his memory with a question that mimics his insight and sincerity.
He will be missed.
– Jay Klebanoff