Dr. Bernard Reich, Esteemed Scholar, Author, and GWU Professor, Dies at 83

Bernard Reich, Professor Emeritus of Political Science and International Affairs at George Washington University, passed away at 83 on Sunday, February 23, 2024. A distinguished scholar, prolific author, and respected educator, Dr. Reich was a leading expert on Middle Eastern politics, with a particular focus on Israel, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and U.S. foreign policy in the region.

Dr. Reich earned his B.A. with special honors from the City College of New York in 1961, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to receive his M.A. in 1963 and his Ph.D. in 1964 from the University of Virginia. He later joined the faculty of George Washington University, where he served for decades, including as Chair of the Department of Political Science. In addition to his academic role, he was Chairman of Advanced Area Studies (Middle East—Fertile Crescent) at the Department of State's Foreign Service Institute and a faculty member at the Defense Intelligence College. He also served as a consultant to several U.S. government agencies and international organizations, providing insights on Middle Eastern affairs.

Dr. Reich was the author of numerous books, including Quest for Peace: United States-Israel Relations and the Arab-Israeli Conflict, The United States and Israel: Influence in the Special Relationship, Israel: Land of Tradition and Conflict, and Historical Dictionary of Israel. He also co-authored and edited several other influential works and contributed extensively to academic journals, book chapters, and monographs on Israeli politics and foreign policy, as well as other aspects of Middle East politics and U.S. foreign policy. His writings provided crucial historical and political analysis, offering invaluable perspectives on Israel and its evolving role in the Middle East. A frequent visitor to the region, he drew from both academic research and firsthand experience to deepen understanding of its complex political landscape.

Beyond academia, Dr. Reich was widely respected for his ability to communicate complex issues with clarity. He was a sought-after expert on Middle Eastern affairs, often advising policymakers, scholars, and journalists. His contributions to the field have left a lasting impact on the study of U.S.-Israel relations and the broader geopolitics of the region.

Dr. Reich is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Madelyn; his children Barry, Norman (James), Michael (Alysa), and Jennifer; and his grandchildren Andy, Benjamin, John, Sidney, Evan, Katie, and Morgan. His legacy as a scholar, mentor, and devoted husband, father, and grandfather will be cherished by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at King David Memorial Gardens in Falls Church, Virginia at 11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

Services entrusted to Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care.