Arnold Israel
Public-spirited lawyer noted for his conflict resolution skills
REGARDED AS a Renaissance man by all who knew him, Arnold Israel, who has died at the age of 72, had a wide-ranging, almost encyclopaedic knowledge of subjects as disparate as the Talmud, classical music and test cricket.
A professional lawyer, he would write occasionally on legal matters for the Jewish Chronicle, specifically on his speciality, real estate planning. But his breadth and depth of knowledge, and his delight in learning new things were a pleasure to behold. As described by one of his long term chavrutot (study partners) –“I knew that within moments of opening the front door to him he would be asking me complicated riddles, like – “what’s the connection between today’s Hebrew date, the Battle of Britain, a novel by Charles Dickens and the third pasuk in yesterday’s haftarah?”
Despite his remarkable mind, there was not a shred of arrogance in him. Whether he was talking to a distinguished rabbi or a young child, he would focus totally on what they were saying, treating them with seriousness and respect.
He was very committed to his Judaism, placing a priority on praying with a minyan, regardless of his energy levels. He would use every spare available moment to learn, carrying around a small volume in his pocket on weekdays. His kindness and thoughtfulness were his trademark, and he was described as having a heart of gold.
At his funeral friends spoke of the times he had helped out when someone was in need. One of them described how, a decade ago, Mr Israel had attended his daughter’s wedding. The bride’s grandmother, stricken with dementia, had been unable to attend the wedding, and was in hospital. Leaving the chupah, Arnold Israel and his wife Mimi drove home, printed out some photographs of the ceremony, and went straight to the hospital, allowing a dying grandmother to see pictures of her granddaughter on her wedding day.
Arnold Israel was born in Willesden, NW London, the son of Esther and Jack Israel. Arnold married Marian Igel in 1983 and they had two daughters. After she died he married Mimi Dub in 1987 and they had a son together.They lived in Hampstead.
His skill at conflict resolution was prodigious; his Hebrew name, Aaron Solomon (the former known for his peace-making ability, the latter for his wisdom), was entirely fitting.
Arnold Israel is survived by his wife Mimi, daughters Elizabeth and Helene, son Joey, and six grandchildren. DANIEL SUGARMAN