Today we celebrate Bernie’s 79th Birthday. Now, slightly over two years since his stroke in January 2016, Bernie’s spirit and energy are high even as he is facing new health challenges. In late 2017 he was diagnosed with carcinoma for which he was treated in surgery and will soon be treated in radiation. While these days he frequently visits his health providers, he is continuously supported by his family, Eve Marko, Rae Cook, Tony Saracino and myself. We are all supported by the local Green River Zen Center Sangha, who offer meals and company and all-around support.
When not exercising or resting from treatments, he advises our staff in the ongoing ZP affairs, enjoys connecting with his successors and colleagues in conference calls, and catching up with Games of Thrones.
Below, review the photos of the past year with Bernie.
I’d like to extend my deep thanks to all those named above, to the board of director of ZPI Eve Marko, Barbara Weggmueller, Francisco Lugovina, Tani Katz, Grant Couch and chairman Chris Panos for their stewardship, and especially to the many supporters of ZP and Bernie who have donated for his behalf and wellbeing. Zen Peacemakers International is committed to supporting our founder and we are completely dependent on, and therefore grateful for, your support.
On Bernie’s 79th Birthday, let us all be grateful for the gifts he has offered and still does offer us in the form of his teachings, his spirit and his actions. Thank you, Bernie, and Mazel Tov!
Rami Efal
Executive Director
Zen Peacemakers International
Monthly meeting with his successors online
With students at Vassar College, New York USA, April 2017
At Vassar College, New York USA, April 2017
With Roshi Jan Chozen Bays, Los Angeles, CA USA, June 2017
At White Plum Asanga 50th Anniversary celebration at ZCLA, Los Angeles, CA USA, June 2017
At closing event of 2017 Auschwitz-Birkenau Bearing Witness Retreat, Poland, November 2017 (with Mikko Rakushin Ijäs and participants)
