Real estate developer and well-known philanthropist Robert H. Arnow passed away at his home in Mount Vernon, New York on Dec. 15, at the age of 94.
Arnow was a generous donor to Jewish causes, and in particular served as chairman of the board of Ben Gurion University of the Negev for 10 years, where he championed the establishment of a Center for Bedouin Students that provided academic and other support services for those who came into the university world with little or no preparation for such studies. During that time he and his late wife Joan also established an endowed scholarship fund for Bedouin women — one of the first to do so — and the Robert H. Arnow Center for Bedouin Women.
Arnow also served as the vice president of United Jewish Appeal of Greater New York, vice president of the American Association for Jewish Education (subsequently Jewish Education Service of North American) and a member of the board of trustees of Lincoln Center.
He was also a president of the board of directors of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA), and helped support the creation of 70 Faces Media. He remained a JTA board member for 45 years, until his passing. He is survived by his children, David, Peter, Joshua, and Ruth, and their spouses and children.
Baruch Dayan Emet.