Dad

It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of gratitude that I mourn the passing of my dear friend, Michael Ledeen. He was a man of extraordinary intellect and unwavering principle. While the world recognized him as a distinguished historian, author, and foreign policy analyst, for decades, I had the privilege of working with him on refugee matters, on what was arguably the most sacred of missions: the rescue of persecuted Jewish minorities across the globe.

Michael's commitment to Pikuach Nefesh, the Jewish imperative to save a life, was boundless. His remarkable reach and ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes were unparalleled. I vividly recall the urgency during the Gulf War when a Jewish Iraqi woman found herself in grave danger, unable to access essential medication, with a critical need for assistance before any damage assessment could be performed. Without hesitation, Michael worked tirelessly with Harold Roads to ensure that this woman received her life-saving medicine. It was a testament to his immediate and decisive action in the face of crisis.

Another harrowing period that profoundly shaped our work was years ago when a large group of Jews were fleeing oppressive persecution and found themselves trapped in a Middle Eastern country. Michael's dedication was relentless. He worked tirelessly, navigating the intricate web of various government entities and tribal leaders, cutting through bureaucracy and overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles to secure the clearances necessary to bring these endangered Jews to safety. The breadth of his connections and his ability to move mountains for those in peril were simply unmatched. His unique and deep understanding of world events in their cultural and historical context, coupled with his ability to synthesize and describe those events in accessible language, made him an invaluable ally in these complex endeavors.

In later years, whenever the call came to assist with Jewish refugee work, I knew I could always rely on Michael and his amazing wife, Barbara. They would launch themselves into action with a singular focus, giving of themselves completely to help the most endangered Jews find a chance at freedom and a new life. Their partnership in this holy work not only saved individuals and families their work laid the groundwork for future Jewish refugees to find freedom. 

I last saw Michael in 2019 at his beloved University Club in Washington D.C. He was exactly as I remember him, in his element, cigar in hand, surrounded by other intellectual heavyweights, all engaged in the rigorous and passionate political debate he so relished. He was a true renaissance man.

Michael was a very proud Jew, and his readiness to perform the greatest Mitzvah of saving Jews was a defining characteristic of his life. Michael's legacy of courage, humor, and unwavering commitment to freedom and human dignity endures in his family, friends, and the countless lives he touched and the countless individuals he helped save.

May his memory be a blessing, and may the entire family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Rabbi David Niederman

President-United Jewish Organizations of Williamsburg and North Brooklyn 

Vice President- Rav Tov International Jewish Rescue Organization

My friend since November 1979, I have many great Michael Ledeen memories. A favorite was when we visited our friend, Secretary of State Alexander Haig. Michael walked into Haig’s office smoking a big cigar. Woody Goldberg, General Haig’s right hand man, a terrific gent and Vietnam Army veteran, said, “Michael, you and Lyn Nofziger [Ronald Reagan’s press secretary as governor and president] are the only guys the general would welcome into our office with a cigar.” RIP dear friend.  Doug “Grumpy” Glant

My condolences to Michael's family. I first met Michael in 2004 when I was a student at Rockhurst University and he gave me a chance to succeed at a time when I was still very much struggling to break into national security. All throughout my career he was always full of encouragement, support, friendship, and good cheer. There was literally no one else with whom I could talk about Iranian political dynamics, Jewish esoterica, what it was like to meet Walt Disney, the politics of Camorra mafia in Naples, and whether or not Benjamin Franklin's "in pursuit of happiness" line had been inspired by an Italian philosopher. All through his life, Michael was a true lover of knowledge and he never hesitated trying to provide encouragement, mentorship, and just a sympathetic ear, particularly during my 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 deployments to western Iraq to support USMC. I will forever be indebted to his leadership, wisdom, compassion, support, and friendship and there is no doubt in my mind that he was always one of the very best of us and gave me something to always live up to.

Michael was an exceptional human being.  He always had time to check in with you -- whether you just had surgery, had said or written something that drew his attention, were under assault by the usual leftwing cabal, etc.  He was a truly good man and friend.  

Michael always had something wise and compelling to say, and often with a laugh and a smile.  His contribution to winning the Cold War and defeating the Soviet Union is without parallel.  His legacy will endure forever.  Michael was an extraordinary patriot. He knew the enemy better than most and warned anyone who would listen, and some who would not, of the peril around us.

Michael and his wonderful wife, Barbara, another great patriot and warrior, have always been generous and gracious, opening their hearts and home to friends -- and, boy, did/do they have friends.  From all walks of life and backgrounds, widely known and unknown. Truly incredible.  And the conversations, late into the day and sometimes into the night, were compelling and fascinating.  

Michael was a fantastic writer and prescient thinker.  A Class A scholar.  He lived life to its fullest.  He cared deeply about our country, Israel, family, and friends.  He and Barbara raised outstanding children, who grew to be fantastic people and patriots like their parents.  (I use the word "patriot" a lot when referring to this extraordinary family.)

It is with deep regret that Julie and I were unable to attend Michael's funeral.   If we could have been there, we certainly would have been.    Same, too, with our son David, who is serving with Ambassador Huckabee in Israel, and also adores Michael and Barbara and has learned so much from them.

It is with our deepest sympathy and sadness, and highest respect and admiration, that we say good-bye to our friend and fellow warrior, Michael Ledeen.  His time on earth will be remembered by all who came to know him and those who learn of him.

Julie & Mark Levin