Masoud Awartani, a Palestinian restaurateur and peace activist, has passed away. Masoud was the co-owner, with his wife, of Zaytoon, a popular downtown Greensboro lunch spot.
Masoud's family and friends will gather to pray tomorrow at 5 p.m. at Anoor Mosque, at 1435 Lake Cottage Road, in Clemmons.
In one of the first stories I wrote for YES! Weekly, in early 2005, I shadowed the Awartanis as they loaded up their vehicle at the crack of dawn to set up their table at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market. Among their loyal customers was a Jewish couple. That was only my first glimpse of the deep and abiding friendships the Awartanis nourished across divides of faith and politics.
Typical of those friendships, Rabbi Fred Guttman wrote on Masoud's website before his death: "May the One who is the creator of all provide you Masuoud, my holy brother, with a compete recovery. We are all praying for a miracle."
And Rabbi Andy Koren wrote, "Please know that your friendship has been one of our most important connections here in Greensboro.... Thank you for being our teacher and our friend."
Peace be with you, Masoud.
