Arif Ibrahim

Arif Ibrahim of Columbia, MD passed away on July 9, 2022 at the age of 94. He is survived by his wife Judy Ibrahim (Holmquist), his son Karim Ibrahim (Natalie Vinski Ibrahim), and his grandson Walter Vinski-Ibrahim, all of Columbia, MD. He is preceded in death by his daughter Lara Ibrahim.

Arif was born in Ain Ziwan, Golan, Syria in 1927 to Circassian parents Ibrahim Ragab and Khadija Hassaw. He completed undergraduate and graduate studies in Cairo, Egypt and then earned a master’s degree and pursued a doctoral degree at the University of Michigan as a U.S. Fulbright Fellow.

Arif met and married Judy while in Michigan and received U.S. citizenship in 1963. He began employment with the U.S. Department of State as an Arabic language news announcer and commentator for Voice of America radio. His multi-decade career with the State Department included a post of 14 years in Rhodes, Greece where both his children were born, and continued into his 80’s as a contractor producing both radio and television programming for the Voice of America and other clients.

Arif and his family settled stateside in Columbia, MD where he resided until his death. In his later years, Arif enjoyed leisure travel, studying Circassian history, and spending time with his grandson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Arif’s memory to the following charities he supported: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Boys Town, or The Humane Society.

A committal service for Arif will be held Friday, July 15, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at St.Johns Cemetery, St Johns Lane, Ellicott City, MD 21042.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.witzkefuneralhomes.com for the Ibrahim family.