This is Rochelle Gatlin (Elias's sister) remarks given at Elias's Celebration of Life Event!

https://docs.google.com/docum…

This is Sandy's Eulogy given at Elias's Celebration of Life Event!

https://1drv.ms/b/c/0654e34de…

This my Tribute to Elias on August 4th 2024 at his celebration of life event.

https://docs.google.com/docum…

In memory of Elias Baumgarten

I first met Elias when I transferred to the University of Michigan - Dearborn spring semester of 1985. I spent my first year and a half of college at the University of Chicago, but felt the atmosphere was oppressive where students lost their souls to an elitist academic machine, so I transferred to U of M - Dearborn where my father was a professor of German who grew up under Nazi Germany and served as a child soldier in the Hitler Youth. Knowing my love for philosophy, my father recommended I take a philosophy class with his colleague, Elias Baumgarten.

I enjoyed the intellectual challenge and deep conversations of his class so much that when I came back from my Junior Year Abroad in Germany, during which he visited me and overcame his discomfort and trauma of riding in a German train, I took more classes and even became his assistant which afforded me the privilege to help him grade essays. Our early conversations were about the horrors of the Holocaust, but after I returned from Germany where I had the opportunity to travel to Israel and Palestine, our conversations shifted to that challenging context. Those conversations became lifelong.

In 2007, I suffered a stroke and could not walk without assistance for a couple of years. It was quite a celebration when Elias and I got to walk together once I was back on my feet, a shared favorite pastime. We dreamed of walking together in Palestine someday. Even after his illness, I never gave up hope of walking with Elias in Palestine. Next time I walk there, I will think of Elias.

As the situation deteriorated in Palestine, Elias always wondered how I could remain hopeful. As I expressed in my memoir Crossing Borders: The Search for Dignity in Palestine that I published last May for the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the state of Israel, which for Palestinians marked the 75th commemoration of the Nabka, Arabic for Catastrophe, I was convinced that the forces of history would one day afford Palestinians the opportunity to live with dignity in their homeland.

Most recently, in spite of the unfolding of events on the ground following October 7th, Elias became hopeful and planned to write about the situation there in an effort to make a difference on the ground in the lives of Palestinians. He delighted in connecting with Palestinian students he was tutoring from afar and those he met on his trips to the region. I am honored that Elias reviewed my book so his affirmation of my message of hope and peace that we shared will live on beyond his untimely passing.

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Excerpt from Elias’ Review of Crossing Borders from July 29, 2023 - A passionate and insightful memoir:

I am an American Jew who has visited Israel/Palestine often and published on the subject. The author is clearly pro-Palestinian, but she also has an appreciation of Jewish history and a respect for the need of the Jewish people for a safe place to live. I think she is sincere (and correct) that the welfare of Israel depends on its finding a way to co-exist with Palestinians in a relationship of equality and the need to end the current oppression and the spirit of Jewish supremacy this is corroding the soul of Israel.

Some may fault this account’s tendentious message. The notion that Palestine is the HOMELAND of native Palestinians is repeated throughout the book. But the dispossession of Palestinians does need to be repeated because we Americans and our government have not come to terms with it. Our country is still blindly one-sided in its support for Israel, which has veered dangerously to the right. Christa Bruhn’s memoir gives the reader an intimate view of the lives of Palestinians and the tragic hardships they face as a result of Israel’s policies.

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Like all of you, I will miss Elias dearly. I can still hear his voice in my head and recall the passion and curiosity with which he lived, always asking questions, digging deeper, and being open to discovering our shared humanity the world over. Thank you, Elias, for sharing that passion with me and so many others over the years. May you rest in peace and may your contribution to that peace on Earth one day be a cause for celebration for all people.

I recently found this slide presentation that Elias likely prepared along with his Last Legacy Lecture. It is amazing and has many of the places he visited and the people he touched! 

https://www.icloud.com/icloud…

My condolences to Elias's family.   I was introduced to Elias 5/6 years ago, by a former employer, a friend of his whose husband I was then providing care. Subsequently, I was hired by Elias and became not only his nursing assistant, but  his housekeeper and a friend.  

I am missing Elias very much.

Dr. Elias Baumgarten, a remarkable professor, a cherished friend, and a guiding light in many of our lives.

Dr. Baumgarten was more than just an educator; he was a beacon of inspiration and a source of unwavering support. His dedication to his students' futures and well-being was evident in every interaction. He took a genuine interest in each person's journey, offering wisdom, encouragement, and a listening ear.

To me, he was a mentor who saw potential even when I doubted myself. He guided my career with thoughtful advice and inspired me to strive for excellence. His belief in my abilities fueled my ambition and shaped the path I walk today.

Dr. Baumgarten's passion for medical ethics was unparalleled. He delved deep into the complexities of moral dilemmas in medicine, always advocating for what was right and just. His insights in this field were profound, and he instilled in his students a deep respect for ethical considerations in their professional lives.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Dr. Baumgarten had a unique sense of dark humor that brought levity to even the most challenging situations. His wit was sharp, and his ability to find humor in life's intricacies made him a joy to be around.

He was also a fighter, facing life's adversities with strength and determination. His resilience was an inspiration to all who knew him, showing us the importance of perseverance and courage in the face of challenges.

Dr. Baumgarten's kindness extended beyond his professional role. He cared deeply about everyone he met, and his compassion was a testament to his character. He created a nurturing environment where all felt valued and heard.

His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched, the knowledge he imparted, and the spirit of generosity and kindness he embodied. Though he is no longer with us, his impact remains, a lasting tribute to a life well-lived.

Dr. Elias Baumgarten, you will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Thank you for your wisdom, your friendship, your humor, and your unwavering belief in our potential. Your memory will continue to inspire us to be better, to care more, to fight for what is right, and to always support one another.

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