Religions for Peace’s Statement on the Passing of Ms. Paddy Reskin
The global Religions for Peace movement today mourns the passing of one of its giant leaders of many decades–Ms. Paddy Meskin–who served as President of Religions for Peace – South Africa, and a founding rock of its Global Women of Faith Network.
One of the strongest Jewish women leaders of the movement, with a steadfast commitment to multifaith work in her native South Africa, and around the world. Paddy was an icon for all believers–whom she also considered family and loved to work for and with.
The anti-apartheid struggle moulded Paddy’s dedication and commitment against any and all forms of discrimination. Injustice, of any sort, was the surest trigger to send her into a whirl of activism. Paddy loved to serve and lived for it, seeing her giving as a fundamental act of faith. And, she never hesitated to use all her resources to ensure that her projects, whether for children, young or older, would bear positive fruit. To serve was to give of her all, with an abundance of love, wit, determination and an abiding sense of faith.
Paddy was always brimming with ideas, based on decades of successful community and international mobilisation. She never failed to speak highly of the many partners around the world, whom she would not hesitate to seek the support of, or to hold accountable if need be, in order to get the myriad projects and initiatives, tailored to the most needy, effectively and efficiently done.
Paddy taught as she served, mentored as she cared, and guided as she supported. She was indefatigable.
Even when bedridden and valiantly struggling with her health, Paddy’s alert mind brimmed, and her immensely loving heartbeat, with efforts to serve for and with Religions for Peace. As she believed in her faith, she knew–and exemplified how–coming together as people of faith moved mountains.
Her life was, and forever shall be, a rich tapestry of unlimited and diverse legacies of service to humankind, and to planet.
From all continents of our world, Paddy Meskin, mother to Tamar, Justine and Mark, and mother to a global movement of women and men of faith, shall be missed. But, she resides and presides in many faithful hearts.
Rest in Peace dearest Paddy.
Baruch Dayan Haemet