It is with tremendous sadness that we learned of the passing of Marc Blum on Tuesday, August 15th, 2023. Marc was a great and true friend to us in the Department of Near Eastern Studies. Indeed, the entire Blum family has for years been stalwart supporters of our disciplines. Marc’s parents, Alvin and Mildred, were particularly close to a beloved professor of Hebrew in our Department, Sam Iwry. In 1986 they established the Samuel Iwry annual lecture series (still going strong), and in 2002, the Blum-Iwry Professorship in Near Eastern Studies (held by Prof. Ted Lewis). Marc made a point of attending our Departmental lectures and dinners. On such occasions he was always happy to talk with all of us in NES, students, staff, and faculty. The Shabbat dinners organized by Marc and his wife, Leonor, which his brothers Jim and Joel attended, were amazing affairs. Marc and Leonor invited writers, professors, judges, religious leaders, psychologists, friends from all different walks of life, with the aim of encouraging lively and fascinating conversation. He clearly enjoyed hearing what others had to say and exchanging ideas with them. A salon in the best sense of the word! Marc himself was a remarkable person who had an equally remarkable career. I remember vividly a recent conversation with him about his experiences as a captain in the US Army for two years from about 1969–1971. A well-known lawyer, he combined an extraordinary intelligence with a sense of humor, grace, and charm. We in NES naturally think of Marc in terms of his relationship to our Department. However, he was supportive of many other Baltimore institutions and projects. Such a person as Marc enriches the world, and we will miss him terribly.
All of us in the Department of Near Eastern Studies extend our heartfelt sympathies to the Blum family for their tragic loss.
Richard Jasnow
Chair of the Department of Near Eastern Studies