Samuel W. Lewis
Samuel Winfield Lewis (October 1, 1930 – March 10, 2014) was an American diplomat. During a lengthy career with the United States Department of State, he served as Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs (1975–1977), U.S. ambassador to Israel (1977–1985) and Director of Policy Planning (1993–1994).[1][2] As ambassador to Israel, Lewis played a major part in brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. He also headed the United States Institute of Peace from 1987 through 1993.[3]
Samuel Lewis
Early life and education[edit]
Born in Houston, Texas, Lewis received a Bachelor of Arts from Yale University in 1952 and an M.A. from the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies in 1954. Lewis initially intended on enlisting in the military, but failed his physical exam because of a bad knee.
Later life[edit]
In 2004, Lewis was among 27 retired diplomats and military commanders who publicly stated that the George W. Bush Administration did not understand the world and was unable to handle "in either style or substance" the responsibilities of global leadership.[6] On June 16, 2004, the Diplomats and Military Commanders for Change issued a statement against the Iraq War.[7]
Lewis was a frequent guest commentator on Middle Eastern issues for television and radio. In 2009, he featured in a documentary directed by Harry Hunkele called Back Door Channels: The Price of Peace.[8] Back Door Channels takes its name from the role unofficial back channels of communication, often through third-party countries and private businessmen, played in securing peace between Israel and Egypt. The film included interviews with many original participants in the historic first peace process between the governments, including former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and other world leaders.
In 2011 the United States Institute of Peace dedicated the Samuel W. Lewis Hall.[9]
Lewis sat on the U.S. Advisory Council of the Israel Policy Forum, and was involved in the J Street project. He was also an active board member of the American Academy of Diplomacy.
Personal life[edit]
Lewis and his wife, Sallie Lewis (née Smoot) were married for over 60 years. The couple had two children. Lewis died of lung cancer in McLean, Virginia, on March 10, 2014, at the age of 83.[10][11]