Jewel Bellush passed away on November 24, 2018 at her home at The Knolls, Valhalla, New York. Born on May 20, 1924 and raised in Brooklyn, New York she attended the University of Wisconsin where she majored in American Studies. She continued her academic studies at Columbia University achieving her PhD in Political Science and meeting her future husband, Bernard Bellush. Together they embarked on a 64-year partnership building a family, creating a vibrant intellectual life and traveling the world. Jewel spent her teaching years at Hunter College and as an active political scientist, worked in government in California developing legislation that addressed pollution controls for automobiles which eventually became the model for the federal government’s policy. She also was the Executive Director of Mayor Lindsay’s City-State Relations Commission where her reports addressed city challenges. Jewel established the Women’s Political Training Center at Hunter College where women could learn essential skills and gain knowledge to become viable candidates for public office. She continued her work for women’s empowerment as the Chair of US/Israel Women to Women, a nonprofit organization supporting grassroots initiatives of women in Israel seeking equality and economic empowerment. Jewel held a Fulbright teaching position at the University of Haifa. She authored numerous books on race, politics, urban planning and labor history. Jewel’s lifelong political fervor and brave solo travel to Europe following World War II to help rebuild Yugoslavia’s railroad, led her to encourage family journeys abroad that included two years in the Netherlands, where she embedded in a Dutch Labor Party campaign (much to the chagrin of the American embassy attaché!) and taught about the American political system at the University of Utrecht. After retiring Jewel moved to a retirement community in Westchester County where she continued to lecture alongside her husband on topics such as political institutions, world events and leadership. She was a multi-faceted wife to Bernie, an extraordinary mother to Gerry and Debbi and an energetic proud grandmother to Noah and Rebecca. She leaves a legacy of left-leaning work; students who know the value of the checks and balances in the federal system and whose lives took routes into diverse professions; and Israeli women who found shelter from domestic violence and achieved parity with their male peers in the judiciary for retirement age. Family and friends were enriched by Jewel’s intellectual rigor, passion for social justice and relentless effort to make our world a better place. Through all her endeavors she brought a sense of humor and a spirit which often changed the tenor in a room. Donations in her memory can be made to causes you think reflect Jewel’s passions. The following organizations were among those important to her: Institute for Women’s Policy Research, Emily’s List and National Council of Jewish Women, Inc., Washington, DC-Israel Programs.