Tributes have been flooding in for FC Team coach Peter Moss who died in the Marrakesh cafe blast on Thursday.
Moss (pictured back row, second from right), 59 and from London, was one of 15 people who was killed by an activated remote bomb at Djemma el-Fna square in the city's old quarter.
A former pupil at Hasmonean School, Luton Town supporter Moss, a father of two, wrote for the JC's travel pages for many years.
His passing came just days after FC Team were promoted into the Premier Division for the first time.
He was the club's fitness coach a played a key role in helping them move into the Middlesex County League.
He was also a big supporter of Maccabi GB and was a regular on trips to Israel.
Shiva details:
Will be held from Sunday evening for five nights, ending on Thursday evening.
1 Brightwen Grove
Stanmore
HA7 4WH
The hours of visit are as follows:
Sunday 8pm-10pm
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 3pm-6pm and 8pm-10pm
The service each night will take place from 8pm
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THE LIFE AND TIMES OF PETER MOSS
Share your memories of Peter Moss
Peter was my true inspiration. I have known Pete since I was nine and being best friends with Gideon over the years have got to know him and what a unique and wonderful man he was. After leaving university we set up FC Team in London and Gids told me his dad was still playing. I couldn't believe it when I saw how fit and sharp he was. He put me and all my players to shame lasting for the full 90 minutes and not even breaking a sweat.
I then appointed Pete as President of FC Team and for a number of years he would be influential in moving the club forward. In arranging various sponsorships, moving the club into the Middlesex County League and various charitable events. Pete was the reason and the senior voice behind FC Team and without him we would not have been a success. Nothing was ever too much for him. I have asked him to help me and the club out on numerous occasions and he always would without question. He believed in mine and Gids' vision for the club and Jewish football and he was constantly encouraging and supporting us. He then became our fitness coach. Every Thursday we would meet at Willesden Athletics track and he would use his experience in athletics to put us through an amazing one-hour session. All the players loved it even though they couldn't walk the next day!
Pete always led the sessions with a smile on his face and a joke ready to be told no matter if we had two training or 20 it didn't matter. He was so happy to be helping us. His coaching played a major role in getting us prepared for our first even appearance in a cup final last season (London FA Junior Cup) and five promotions in five seasons in the MSFL.
Pete used to always be amazed how passionate I was about Jewish Football and FC Team but the truth is it all came from him. He was always going on trips to various Maccabiahs and playing Masters football and always always promoted Jewish football. Whenever I was not sure about a decision he would always say, "Mitch go for it". He always spoke with so much enthusiasm about us and he believed in me. All the players admired him and respected Pete and we all looked at him thinking maybe we can still be playing football when we are nearly 60.
We would speak regularly on the phone about players, football, Maccabi League affairs or club finances and he would always give me his honest and considered opinion on everything, and after our conversations he would always end with a joke. We got on so well and I believe it was our passion about FC Team that saw us become firm friends. We were on the same wave-length and he guided me through a number of important decisions in my life. He was there for every major part of my life and attended my wedding last year. He was a lovely, kind, warm hearted man. He was a true people's person.
I don't know how the club will move forward without him as he played such a major role within the club, but we will continue and will make him proud playing in the MSFL Premier League next season which was his dream as well as mine.
The players and everyone connected with the club are still in shock but I appreciate all the messages and well wishes.
The club will be organising a memorial match and the details will be announced shortly.
I considered Pete to be a friend and family member. He played a massive role in my life for a number of years and I loved him very much. He treated me like a second son and I treated him like a second dad.
We will never forget.
Mitch Young (FC Team chairman and manager)
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PETER MOSS (b. 29.09.51) was an exceptional multi-talented person who spanned many disciplines from travel writer, stand-up comedian, broadcaster, novelist, Maccabiah athlete, football coach and player, even at the age of 59. He supported many charitable causes and was involved in a project coaching kids in Africa. He latterly played in the Maccabi Masters Football League and participated in a number of Israel tours with the league. His highly amusing report on the 2003 tour was published in the pages of FourFourTwo magazine alongside features on Zinedine Zidane, Sven-Göran Eriksson, Steven Gerrard and Gennaro Gattuso. Those of us lucky enough to have been mentioned in the article will always be indebted to Peter for elevating us among such illustrious football superstars and giving us our 15 minutes of fame. Peter maintained an incredible high level of fitness visiting the gym almost daily and for many hours. Most people did not realise that his rigorous routine was masking life threatening ailments of which he never complained but always maintained a philosophical attitude towards his life expectancy. It was, therefore, ironic that he should lose his life in such tragic circumstances. Just a few months ago I invited him to join our forthcoming Maccabi Masters football tour of Israel to which he responded, "Organise a masters' tour for old geezers with no more than a 50/50 chance of making it through the night and I'm there!" So typically, Peter. I was very fortunate to have known him and I will always remember him for his individuality and unique personality. My thoughts go out to Susan, Lucy, Gideon and family.
Stuart Lustigman (Chairman of the Maccabi Masters Football League)
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I have known Peter for over 40 years and to say that he was a great character is an understatement. Peter played, coached and managed in the Maccabi (Southern) Football League during this time and had a great sense of humour and a mischievous streak. He will be sadly missed by his devastated family and by those of us who were privileged to have come into contact with him. I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of you all, to wish his family and all the mourners long life.
David Wolff (Chairman of the Maccabi (Southern) Football League)
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Maccabi GB President, Vice Presidents,Chairman and Board of Directors and staff are shocked and saddened at Peter's cruel and untimely death. Peter participated in many Maccabi GB programmes including coaching young people at our after-school clubs. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Martin Berliner (CEO Maccabi GB)
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I have known Pete for many years having played for FC Team for six seasons. Peter Moss, as club President, was crucial in moving FC Team from Jewish football to the Middlesex County League and without him, it simply would not have happened. I remember in our first season we managed to stay in the division on the last day of the season with a draw, and it was his fitness sessions which kept us in the league. In true Peter style, he came out that evening with the team and celebrated with us. He was also crucial in preparing us for our first cup final at the end of last season and he was extremely proud to see us get that far.
I know Gid and Mitch are proud that he saw the club move into the MSFL Premier League as he was fundamental in establishing the team in Division 5 and watched with great enthusiasm as the club moved up the divisions. The A team will make him even prouder by turning out a great season in the top tier.
I think I can speak for all the players at our club when I say that this club will not be the same without him. We will miss his presence on game days, fitness sessions at Willesden track, his shiny Audi TT convertible but most of all we will simply miss him. This club will play on in his honour and make him proud. A giant amongst men.
Paul Kent (FC Team Captain)
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HaHaving known Pete for years through his involvement with FC Team, I am devastated by this horrific news. Pete was an inspirational person - living life to the max, with such a positive and refreshing outlook on life. He was constantly on the receiving end of my moaning when he worked me far too hard in our fitness sessions and I always appreciated him helping on the sidelines on match days (even a few cameo appearances on the pitch in the early days!). He will be greatly missed and my thoughts go to Gideon and family.
Jonathan Breger
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Peter was a phenomenal figure. Having known him mainly through my connections with FC Team, Pete was without doubt the best man-motivator and fitness coach I have ever worked with. He ingrained belief and confidence in everyone of the boys and was one of the most enthusiastic people I have ever known. He had a deep thirst for life, always shared his 'war-stories' from his travels with me and was a constant source of encouragement on the touchlines. His ability to out-run and out-press-up everyone of the boys (over 40 years his junior) was awe-inspiring. Pete was also a real mench - always going out of his way to pick up players on route to the game, arranging our charitable contributions and having a big part to play in organising our post-season trips. Pete was the root of FC Team and his memory and wit has been firmly rooted in the club's ethos. He will be greatly missed. All my thoughts and prayers are with Gids, Lucy and the family.
Mitch Lassman
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I was absolutely devastated when I heard the news about Peter. I had first known Peter from when I was a kid at Rosh Pinah where he was my sports teacher... but I have mainly got to know since I joined FC Team three years ago. He has always been a warm and friendly guy to be around, with great charisma as well as being an inspirational fitness coach. I know he lived life to the full and we all loved him for that. I will miss him greatly and I know all the boys at the club will too. My thoughts are with Gideon and his family. R.I.P Pete :-(
James Korn
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Peter was an important figure at FC Team and a man who I really admired. He told me some fantastic stories over the years and I have passed off many of his one-liners as my own! My abiding memory of Peter will be him cycling to our games – shades on, cappuccino in hand, ready to get the boots on and play for the team. His commitment to football and fitness was inspirational – playing into his 50s with and putting many of the younger lads to shame. Thoughts are with Gideon and the family at this difficult time.
Laurence Judah
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Without wishing to repeat what others have written, Peter was truly inspirational man and meant a great deal to everyone at FC Team. He played a huge role in helping the club progress and grow in to the successful club it is today. I first met him 5/6 years ago when he helped launch the club in London, he always struck me as an incredibly warm and generous man whose dedication and attitude was something I greatly admired. I always enjoyed the banter he would dish out and was hugely appreciative of the support and guidance he gave me. The world is a lesser place without Peter. All my thoughts are with Gideon and family.
Adam Newsome
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Peter Moss was simply a 'one in a million' kind of guy. Whoever had the pleasure in meeting him will say the same thing. A very warm person who always greeted me with a smile and a hug. Pete was quite simply an extraordinary human being who's legend will live on forever. My thoughts are with my dear friend Gideon, Lucy and all the family x.
Emile Ben-Atar
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Three years ago at the FC Team trials, I took part in probably the hardest warm-up I had ever done. This was forced upon me by a man with perfect diction and fitness I could never dream of exceeding. Pete was an unforgettable man and I have always felt indebted to the dedication he gave us as team. He was more than a coach, he was one of the guys and I/we will miss him dearly. I will always remember Pete's inspirational character, his seemingly endless supply of cappuccinos and his sharp sense of humour. He could take it and could certainly dish it out (the humour and the cappuccinos). I will truly never forget Pete and his impact upon me. All my thoughts are with Gids and the family.
Richard Salmon
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Truly heartbreaking and unbelievable news. I first met Peter five years ago when I joined FC Team and was part of the B team. Despite being twice the age of the other players, Peter would always let the younger players have their say and respected them like we respected him. He was always there to offer us thoughtful and honest advice too and I will always remember him for his witty and intelligent comments.
In the five years that I have known Peter, I can honestly say that I don't recall ever seeing him without a smile on his face. He was such a warm person with a great aura and he will be thoroughly missed by everyone at FC Team and by my grandpa, who used to see Peter every week at the gym. My grandpa always remarked how much time Peter had for him and what a lovely man he was.
My thoughts are with Gideon, Lucy and the rest of the family.
David Gordon
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Although I have only known Peter for a few years, he made such an impression the first time we met. I went training for FC team and wondered why we had such an old guy taking the training sessions. Fast forward two hours and this 'old guy' was not even sweating. I couldn’t believe the fitness of the guy. I don’t think there would be a human being on this world that felt anything but admiration for him. Rest in Peace Pete. My thoughts are with Gids and his family.
Andrew Croll
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He was a man of obvious character, warmth and tremendous energy. I throughly enjoyed his professionalism and enthusiasm while playing for FC Team last year. He will be sadly missed, my current team won their divisional championship on sunday and I dedicated that win to Pete. My thoughts are with Gideon and his family and everyone at FC Team who will be so affected by this senseless tragedy.
Tom Savage
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RIP Pete Moss, thank you for all the great times! Your in our hearts forever! Stand tough Gids.
Michael Marks
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'I met Pete whilst playing at FC Team and was one of many players who had to endure his gruelling training sessions. I knew I wasn't the greatest footballer but Pete had a way of encouraging you that got the best out of you. A real honest, kind, witty, intelligent and funny man. He will be sorely missed.
Sheldon Conrich
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I was lucky enough to spend a lot of my junior football seasons with Peter and Gideon at Kinnor. Peter would be at every game, rain or shine, and always offer his help and guidance to the players as we grew older. He would always put others first and he stood for everything that a parent and mentor should be, and I for one am truly devastated that the world has lost such a wonderful man in Peter. My thoughts go to Gideon and the family.
Matt Davis
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On behalf of all the players at Jewventus FC, we would like to wish the entire Moss family long life. I have played against Gideon on a number of occasions and he almost always had Peter there to shout him on. Jewish football has lost a good patron and the community a good man. Our thoughts and sympathies go out to the family and everyone connected to Peter.
Gabriel John (on behalf of Jewventus FC)
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Awful, awful news. A real football man and great supporter of our Sunday game.
Jonny Blain
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Absolute devastated by the news. Pete was my first football coach at school and a great guy - always a pleasure to bump into on the Maccabi League circuit. Thoughts with all the family.
Phil Peters
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Shocking news, our thoughts are with the family.
Simon Beresford
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Shocked and saddened to hear the devastating news about Peter Moss. One of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet. Thoughts are with Gideon, the family and everyone at FC Team.
Dan Cohen
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All at Redbridge Jewish Care would like to pass on there warmest wishes to all Peters family and friends. Devastating news for such a legend in our Maccabi family.
Adam Hakimi
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Everyone at North London Raiders would like to pass on sincere condolences to the Moss family and everyone at FC Team on the passing of an MSFL legend.
NLR
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A total gentleman, an inspiration to many, a remarkable athlete and a loyal friend. Thoughts are with your family. xxxx
Warren Schenk
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Shocked by the initial reports and possibility of who it may have been, devestated once it was confirmed.
Peter was so inoffensive, calm, funny, a complete mench and was a delight to have on the touchline whenever I had the pleasure of refereeing FC Team. I never had a cross word with Peter in my oh too many years blowing the whistle and remember refereeing him on the pitch on many occasions too.
Only a few months ago, just before the start of one of their matches, Peter arrived just before kick off carrying two cups of coffee he had purchased on his way to the ground and when I jokingly said "is one of those for me" he immediately said "no, but I will go back and buy you one of you want"... That's the kind of man Peter was, sincere and genuine.
Peter will be sorely missed at Maccabi football level and all the other strands of work he did in the community. My heartfelt wishes go out to Gideon, Lucy and family at this tragic time.
Laurence Thorne (Referee and National & Junior Football Chairman)
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We'll always remember Peter as a man with refreshingly strong and informed views, and one who could bring humour to everything.
Jeremy Silverstone
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From Hasmonean Primary and Grammar, through Bar Kochba and the football fields of north London to the inaugural MSFL Masters Israel solidarity tour in 2002, and more recently the touchline, Peter was a funny, witty and engaging friend and companion. I am still reeling from the shock of his terrible passing. He will be truly and sorely missed.
Jeremy Blain
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Having reffed quite a few of FC Team’s games over the years, I’ll always remember Pete’s calm communication style either with his team or me, as well as him jumping on his bike or running around various fences and hedges to get errant footballs back, always with a smile on his face. Maccabi football has lost a true supporter. Rest in peace.
Andy Myerson
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Peter. Always interesting company. A kind heart, a sharp intellect and a person you wanted to be around. What a tragedy. I will miss him.
Andy Zneimer
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I have officiated as referee many times on matches involving FC Team in both the Middlesex County Football League and the Maccabi (Southern) Football League and came to know Peter, who was always present at each game, very well. He always took time out to talk to me both before and after every match and it was always a pleasure to engage in football conversation with him.
He always showed me great respect and was a true gentleman and sportsman. His contribution to the success of FC Team cannot be under-estimated and he will be sorely missed by everyone associated with the club. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to all of his family and wish them all long life.
Laurie Benson (Referee)
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When I played for Kinnor, Peter watched and was always very supportive. He would always pay compliments and was a true mensch. I recently saw him ride his bike through St John's Wood and was thinking I wish I was as fit... you've got me riding now Peter! One of life's good men who shall live on in everyone's hearts forever. Daniel Collett
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We were involved in very many things together. I appreciate his first love was football, but we would both regularly turn out for Barnet and District Athletics Club. Peter was an accomplished sprinter and jumper. Often he would compete in events just to gain a few extra points for the club. We roomed together for a fortnight in Tel Aviv when I managed our Maccabiah Track & Field team. Peter was always joking and we had a great time. There was also a very serious side to Peter. He worked hard for charities and his outward comedy masked a caring side which ran deep.
Roger Bruck
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Peter, Peter what a loss to everyone. I was so shocked that you have been taken from us in such a tragic way. You hear every day about terrorist attacks but until you actually know the victim then it really hits home. You were so talented in many areas and always had a lovely temperament. You were always a great sportsman and always encouraging, a great motivator. What a loss. May hashem bless you and all your family should only have good news from now on.
Meir Velenski
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We met Peter two years ago while travelling in the Balkans with his daugher Lucy and son Gideon and all three made a huge impression on us. We kept ending up in same restaurants and cafes in Sarajevo and Peter made an imediate impact with his personality and joy of life. A week later, as we hoped, we ran into them again in Dubrovnik. Although we only had the pleasure of his company for a few hours he was the sort of person you always remember. Deepest sympathies to Lucy and Gideon.
Sinead and Tony Bailie (Co Down, Ireland)
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I was very friendly with Peter when we were both at the Hasmonean Grammar School but have not seen that much of him in the last 10 years. I well remember being in Israel on our Israel tour at 16 and over the years Peter spent so much time there without so match as a scratch. How ironic that he turns up in Marrakesh, goes to a restaurant and is blown up by a terrorist nail bomb. Such a terrible waste of life and denial of all that is good in the world. As Peter might have said: "We Jews may be paranoid, but it does not mean they are not out there to get us!" Please pass my sincerest condolences to Peter's family, Lucy and Gideon, brother Michael and sister Judith. May his dear soul rest in everlasting peace.
Michael Bradfield
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Not to detract from Peter's sporting prowess; to me he was a brilliantly funny man, someone for whom the phrase 'acerbic wit' could have been coined. Shalom Peter - and thanks for the laughs.
Lawrence Cohen
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I was deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic and senseless killing of my dear friend and classmate. Peter was a talented and highly intelligent man and it was no surprise to me that after curtailing his business life that he became a travel journalist as his two favourite subjects at Hasmonean were Geography and English. Peter was an extrovert and was the classroom clown - popular with his school-mates but not so popular with the teachers. Peter took up comedy and loved performing in public and very recently he compered a charity quiz evening in Elstree which was highly successful which reflected his charitable spirit. My heart goes out to his children and family and although it is so unfair that a person that had so much to give has had his journey cut short, my memories of his wit and humour will remain with me forever. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.
Ralph Kossman
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Very saddened by this tragic news. I had not seen or heard of Peter since 5th form Hasmo over 40 years ago, but still remember his cheeky smiling face as a boy. My deepest sympathies go out to his family.
Zalmi Unsdorfer
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I was utterly shocked to hear the tragic news about Peter. Like many others I remember him well from the Hasmonean, in the good old days when the school was a mixed bunch of interesting people from across the spectrum of Jewish life. Peter was something of a rebel and very well liked by his classmates, especially for his fearless ability to take on authority. I had the honour of being his team-mate on a few long-jump events where he was always the leading man! I know he gave huge pleasure to many, not only through his work, but also through his sunny disposition and generous welcoming spirit. He will be hugely missed and always fondly remembered by all who ever had the good fortune to know him. My thoughts and wishes for long life go to all his family. Shalom.
Maurice Lawson
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I knew Peter Moss at JAMI where he facilitated discussions about books and music. He was very good at this and he will be much missed. He had a rare talent in making everybody seem very important.
Nick Landau
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'The centre half, a gangly six-footer,' wrote Peter watching a top league encounter in Tanzania in 2007, 'loped off the pitch after 65 minutes to be replaced by an even ganglier six-footer. As he walked off he removed his socks and handed them to the substitute, who duly put them on for the remaining 25 minutes. This is what happens when you play football in the world’s second poorest nation. You share socks.'
Peter's observation and style as a travel writer always stood out as a cocktail of acerbic wit, local colour and heartfelt social comment. Sunsets, resorts and tourism infrastructure never got a look in. 'Since the turn of the century I have developed a very deep love for Tanzania ... It’s the landscape, it’s the wildlife, but really it's the people, with their embracing warmth, and a generosity of spirit that belies their pathetic poverty.'
Peter, who died in last week's bomb attack in Marrakech aged 59, had been celebrated at the 2004 British Press Awards, while working for the Jewish Chronicle, as 'one of the country's finest travel writers, with an unmatched eye for detail'. But he had notoriously reinvented himself many times over – as a stand-up comedian (at the Comedy Store), FA-qualified coach, screenplay writer, broadcaster and as an editor and friend, I enjoyed the privilege and laughter of working with a contributor who relished rolling his strands into one.
An incurable passion for klezmer music, Luton Town FC, film and fine wine, all mixed and shaken into his unique cocktails, would produce the sort of story that entertains and informs. And touches deep. The comedian was ever present ('... and daddy silverback [gorilla], way way bigger than you would ever imagine, just sat imperiously on a bed of shoots, eating, scratching and farting in an uncannily alpha-male kind of way. It was oddly familiar.'), and that Jewish quip always up his sleeve ('the bearded wildebeest was surely modelled after Rabbi Beaton who taught me Mishnah at Hasmonean').
Peter's tireless voluntary and charity work, often undertaken with his children Lucy and Gideon, included JAMI (mental health), K-FIT (Kick Football Into Tanzania) and coaching FC Team, who were promoted to the Middlesex County Premier Division for the first time, shortly before his passing.
As if writing his own script, Peter died doing what he loved best: travelling and watching the world go by.
Fabio Perselli
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Devastated to hear of the death of my dear friend, Peter Moss, just a couple of days after seeing him. To quote Peter on Peter, more 'a human doing' than a 'human being'. We met four and a half years ago, and formed an unbreakable bond. We also shared a liking for Leonard Cohen - Peter, Our Steps Will Always Rhyme (Leonard Cohen, Hey That's No Way to Say Goodbye).
Ros Stone
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Peter was my neighbour for 18 years. A creative, humorous and fun person. He climbed mountains, travelled oceans and engaged in anything that was a challenge and dangerous in the pursuit of fulfilling his constant and unabounding energy. To have his life abruptly terminated in such a callous and brutal way has left his whole local and wider community dumbstruck.. My family's thoughts and prayers are with his children and family and with all those families who have lost loved ones in this outrage.
Robert Zeffman
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In the photo I instantly recognised Peter Moss as a man I saw do a brilliant stand up comedy stint some 20 years ago. I'm a fan of live comedy and have seen some great comedians in great places, yet clearly remember this very low key gig in a small nightclub in Ilford as amongst the most enjoyable. One of his jokes was amongst the funniest I’ve ever heard, which I’ve repeated (though not done justice to) for the last two decades. Such sad news.
Scott Wallman
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I could not believe it when my brother in england asked me if I heard about Peter. I was so shocked. We learnt at primary and grammer school together. Even when I went on aliyah we were in Israel together. Peter had just got engaged to Susan and needed a break with me before settling down. I still remember all the pranks we got up to - in and out of school. Obviously we lost contact over the years but a good friendship can never be forgotten.
David Landsman
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Still reeling from the shock of reading the news about Peter, of blessed memory. I certainly remember him from Hasmo days, he was always the life and soul. Much is written about his passion for sport, but he also had a great love of music, an interest we shared. He was also actively involved with Bnei Akiva. A flamboyant person, I will always remember him once appearing at a function wearing a fur coat, driving a yellow Capri.
May we soon merit to see the day when this kind of tragedy is a thing of the past.
Elliot Brill
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How do you describe a friendship that endured nearly 30 years? Peter - we will miss the conversations over the dinner table, or over a glass of wine or capuccino - when the world was put to right, when we spoke of travel, books, films and music - our children. We will even miss the cheesy jokes and texts! Peter, we will miss you. However, our memories will remain strong and you will be in our hearts forever.
The Reeves
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Alex and I were devastated whilst we were in Peters favourite hotel - armed with his guide-book overlooking the Danube with his loved Gallett Hill in the distance. My dearest friend spoke to me on the night before (sorry to spoil your beauty sleep matey!). He left for Morocco at 3.30am on Thursday and he said he had a call to go to the Atlas mountains. I am so sad to miss my side-kick who I loved to pieces and there will be no more holidays together or breakfasts on Saturday morning in the tranny café in Mazeltov Hill. But for all of you kind people and friends with such kind words should know that he departed our shores happy and content and I and so many of us will miss his wit words and crazy zany character. I had so many years of laughter friendship and pleasure with you matey. You will be loved and celebrated forever. Lozzer Glynnbo, oh hell as you would say "Hey Whatever". xxxxx
Laurence D Glynne
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Always an inspiration, often a support, the father of one of my best friends stood out from the crowd by his sheer affirmation and embrace of life. The last time I met Peter Moss – too long ago – we shared our stories of travel and the arts and of political resistance and joked about it all and wound each other up and even made loose plans together which now… . One can't even imagine how many lives Peter Moss has been torn away from. As a writer he published on many topics; they illuminate the comedy of life, the heartwarming comedy that made him care for so many around him and stand up for causes the way he did. In Peter's obituary to the refusenik Boris Chernobilsky one finds a description of the humble activist that may be repeated of our beloved Jewish traveller from NW London: 'always endearing, ever resourceful, and never one to conform, did not arrive in Israel the way others did.' Isn't the last line too true? Look at his care for Jewish football and mental health, the refuseniks, his straight-out-of-Grodzinsky's stand up routine, even his occasional criticisms of our own community and leadership show a great care for yiddishkeit. Most of all he will be remembered as an individual who cared for and loved so many people, especially, of course, his family. In your memory Peter I hold some lessons dear: choose your own path in life and don't just follow others; don't pretend to be perfect but don't give up; keep near to the things which fill your journey with passion, wonder and – of course – laughter. And then share your stories.
On behalf of all the Nemenyis (or the 'Nemenemenyis' as Peter would call us), may I wish Susan, Lucy and Gideon, and everyone else near to Peter Moss, long life and heartfelt best wishes. Daniel.
Daniel Nemenyi
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My 'favourite cuzz' as you used to refer to me, I will miss our annual joke about me being a day older than you and will especially miss that we won’t both turn 60 together this year. RIP my favourite cousin, Peter. xx
Lou Trigg
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Peter was a unique man. Gung ho, spontaneous, creative and talented. A great raconteur and a superb wordsmith. A swashbuckling adventurer with an energy that knew no bounds, who allowed nothing to get in the way of pursuing his dreams, no matter the odds. His talents were many and varied and he strove to be the the best at everything he undertook. Challenge him and he'd take you on. And he'd win. Or he'd take you on again and again until he did.
His love of music was well known. He was an avid reader of books, usually having several on the go at once. And his love of films was apparent from his huge and strategically placed collection.
But I think Peter's greatest talent was for writing. Not just about his travels but about his own psyche, life and those around him. He was a deep thinker, a philosopher, a hugely clever man with an incredible ability to understand people, their motivation and drive and sometimes, if you were very priviledged, he'd share his thoughts with you. His ability to write so lucidly from his very soul with such gut-wrenching ease was a rare gift. His words could tear at your heartstrings and leave you stunned. A truly adroit writer who could easily have been up there with his heros, Nick Hornby, Amos Oz, Pauline Melville and the rest......
Peter was a tireless and selfless supporter of JAMI and would give his time willingly to help those unable to help themselves, sometimes to the detriment of his own health. All he wanted was to help the world and make people laugh. He was a mover, a man who couldn't stay still.
I would like to think I knew him. He said we only get one shot at life and we shouldn't screw it up. He lived life to the full. He thought he was invincible. He should've been.
He will always be in my heart ("G-d bless his sainted trousers....")
Frances Sherwin
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It was just like they said; it happens in slow motion. First the announcer said they'd named the Briton caught up in the restaurant bombing, and I thought 'Nah, it can't be Peter'. I'd texted 'You OK?' to him when I'd heard about the bombing and he hadn't replied, but that was OKbecause he didn't always reply straight away. Then the announcer said the victim was a writer from London, at which point I held my breath and time slowed down. Then he said the Jewish Chronicle had confirmed the name of the victim and I knew it could only be Peter, but when he actually announced his name it was like a punch to the stomach. Nine days on and I've just returned from his funeral. It was a good funeral, as funerals go. Over 200 people - I counted. The rabbi knew Peter and was warm and eloquent. It was a good send-off. Peter would have been happy. So, what can I tell you about my dear friend? Peter was a man of passions and complexity. He was passionate about human rights (a leading light in the 1980s Soviet Jewry campaign), his voluntary work with youngsters with mental health issues, football (still playing at 59), travel (95 countries - he especially loved the Balkans and, so tragically, Morocco), mountain climbing, music, reading, writing books and articles, his religion (a tiny gold menorah always visible on a chain around his neck), his close friends and, most of all, his children. As for complexity, where do I start? He enjoyed being in the public eye (stand-up comedian, seeing his name in print, being a published author, giving talks) but was in fact very private. An introvert extrovert. He was Urban Man but never happier than when in the great outdoors or climbing mountains; strong but gentle; highly intelligent but unable to work out how to use modern gadgets ("No Peter, you don't have to press the A key nine times to type '1', just hold the key down and the 1 will appear. Yes, really"); competent in so many ways but not in the kitchen ("the only place I've never eaten in West Hampstead is my own"). Peter was a philosopher, an emotional metronome (seeing that expression now, he'd definitely crack a joke about vertically-challenged Parisians), talented, charming, well dressed (he loved mooching around clothes shops; and how many people do you know who have nearly two dozen leather jackets?). He was also exceptionally funny and highly creative and intelligent, though in ways his school teachers were unable to recognise, let alone nurture. He saw good in all people and people were drawn to him. I'm trying to take some positives from all this. He crammed more into 2/3rds of a life than most people do into their whole lives. I have great memories of evenings spent sipping cappuccinos and solving the world's problems, and a week spent driving in the States, just two guys and a convertible. And Peter often said he hated the idea of growing old or infirm, so at least now he won't have to. Peter touched lightly on this world but left an indelible mark. I'm proud to say he was my friend, and even more proud to say I was his.
Professor Colin Tourick
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What a week. Last Sunday evening I heard that a measure of justice had been served with the killing of the evil human being who slaughtered my brother with so many others on 9/11, and then on Friday night I was perusing a newspaper I hardly ever read and saw the Squibb about Peter. After Shabbat I went online and confirmed the horror I felt at the news. At the outset I would like to say to all those who have written the really nice words about Peter you cannot in your wildest nightmares even begin to imagine the excruciating pain that those left behind from the family will suffer.
I at least had many hundreds who were with me at memorials, in addition to my wonderful and immediate family, to give me comfort so I do hope you will all try to do that. I would also mention that it was so nice to see my many classmates (Elliott, Ralph, David, Michael, Zalman and others) write what they did. We Hasmoneans may not see each other for decades but we still have an unbreakable bond no matter where we go.
I had not seen Peter since the summer following Hasmonean. During that summer we went to theatre and generally caroused around London one last time. Peter sat three desks from me in form 1J and it was a competition who would get the slipper from Taffy more. What stood out about Peter was that however "naughty" he was nearly all of the masters liked him because of his infectious smile.
One couldn't help but like Peter no matter what the antics. Try as I might to do that I couldn't so I ended standing outside Willie's office many more times than he did. Peter had a happy go lucky attitude in the years I knew him. Over the last 40 years I have heard from time to time about my former classmates. I had heard that Peter was doing stand-up comedy work and when I was told he was pretty good at it. I remember remarking we all are good at things which come naturally.
Since Friday night I have had this mental image that when Peter met his maker that Hashem said to him, "so Peter, are you going to do that great routine up here you did on earth," and Hashem and all the angels laughed themselves silly. I wish this would end on a happy note but the truth is I'll probably think of Peter a lot more now than I did and I would say to his family that Hashem finds ways to give those left behind comfort.
You won’t know it till it happens but the words of the Bible are really true: Umacha Hashem Dimah Meial Col Panim…and Hashem will wipe the tears from all our faces. There are times you may feel immense pain and hurt but there will be others when you will feel Hashem holding your hands and wiping the tears away.
Hamakom Yenacheim Etchem Betoch Shear Aveilay Tsiyon Viyrushalayim.
David Lebor
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I met Peter at Bnei Akiva. He was part of the London Hasmoneon boys and I was one of the Liverpool crowd.
He was quick-witted, popular with the girls and had lots of enthusiasm and energy. As time moved on, we all went our different ways. But I met up with Peter many, many years later in Israel. We emailed from time to time and I saw him when in London sometimes. He was a lovely person, a total football enthusiast and a comlete gentleman.
His other tributes detail the many other fine talents he had. Life wasn't always so easy for him, and he took what he had learned from his experiences to help others.
I remember him saying that if he became too ill he might go away to die, but he would have to do it on his own.
He said it wouldn't be fair on anyone with him.
I don't know his children, but I know how much they meant to him.
The sad thing for me is that I couldn't even go to his funeral. I live in Edinburgh, and didn't even hear till too late.
G-d bless you Peter.
Jane Ansell
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'A top writer, football man, coach and family man. Dignified and dedicated in everything he did. Thoughts with Gideon and everyone at FC Team.' Danny Caro
CARO'S COLUMN: BIDDING FAREWELL TO A GREAT MAN
Share your memories of Peter Moss. Email your tribute to dcaro@thejc.com
