Simeon M. Kriesberg died suddenly on June 21. Simeon was born in Washington, D.C., on June 4, 1951, to Harriet and Martin Kriesberg and grew up as the oldest son in a large, loving family in Bethesda. Simeon married Martha L. Kahn, the love of his life, in 1994. They raised two children together, Micah and Skye. His family was the center of his life. He is also survived by his siblings, Maida (Barry) Lerman, Ellis (Stephanie) Kriesberg, Caleb Kriesberg, and Josh (Jane Lichty) Kriesberg.
Simeon practiced law for 40 years focusing on international trade. His pro bono service included: drafting a constitution for the Kingdom of Nepal; persuading the United States Government to rescind sanctions regulations that barred Iranian dissidents from publishing in the United States; and gaining asylum for a Saudi woman, on the novel grounds that her Muslim beliefs were being oppressed by her abusive husband. Simeon’s wisdom, kindness, good judgment, wide-ranging knowledge and wit were appreciated by all who knew him.
Simeon was dedicated to his family and to community service. He had a particular passion for fostering interfaith understanding. Simeon served on the board of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington for 35 years. He also served in leadership roles with the American Jewish Committee, the Edlavitch D.C. Jewish Community Center, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, and Washington Hebrew Congregation. He received numerous awards for his service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington. Services entrusted to Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care.
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