Edward Samuel Behr was a highly respected and accomplished foreign correspondent and war journalist, whose illustrious career was deeply intertwined with the prestigious Newsweek publication.
Born on May 7, 1926, in the vibrant city of Paris, France, Behr possessed a rich cultural heritage, being of Russian-Jewish descent.
Behr's educational background was marked by a unique bilingual experience, having attended the Lycée Janson-de-Sailly, a renowned French school, and later St Paul's School, a prestigious institution located in London, England.
After completing his formal education, Behr made the bold decision to join the esteemed British Indian Army, where he would go on to serve with distinction in the realm of Intelligence, stationed in the North-West Frontier from 1944 to 1948. During this period, he demonstrated remarkable leadership skills, rapidly rising through the ranks to attain the esteemed position of acting brigade major within the revered Royal Garhwal Rifles, a feat accomplished at the remarkably young age of 22.
Subsequently, Behr chose to further his intellectual pursuits by embarking on a degree program in the fascinating field of history at the prestigious Magdalene College, Cambridge.
Noted journalist Behr's professional journey in journalism commenced with a tenure at Reuters in London and Paris, laying the foundation for a storied career that would span multiple continents. His early experience in journalism was marked by a stint as press officer with the esteemed Jean Monnet at the European Coal and Steel Community in Luxembourg, a position he held from 1954 to 1956. Subsequently, Behr joined the prestigious Time-Life organization as a Paris correspondent, where he reported on some of the most significant conflicts of the era, including the tumultuous situations in the Congo, Lebanon, and Indo-China. Additionally, his coverage extended to the troubled regions of Ulster, Angola, and Morocco, solidifying his reputation as a seasoned and intrepid journalist.
In the year 1958, a significant literary work was published by Behr, titled "The Algerian Problem", a groundbreaking book that presented a meticulously crafted and unbiased perspective on the Algerian War, skillfully authored by a French-speaking outsider who demonstrated a profound comprehension and empathy for both the French and Algerian viewpoints, ultimately resulting in a fair and balanced assessment of the intricate issue at hand.
Behr embarked on a remarkable journalistic journey, revisiting the Indian subcontinent as the esteemed bureau chief for Time magazine, subsequently relocating to the esteemed Saturday Evening Post as a roving correspondent, venturing far and wide to gather compelling stories and insights.
He later joined the prestigious Newsweek in 1965, assuming the role of Asia bureau chief, where he expertly chronicled the tumultuous Cultural Revolution in China, securing a groundbreaking interview with the enigmatic Mao Zedong himself.
As he navigated the complex landscape of Southeast Asia, Behr provided in-depth coverage of the Vietnam War, offering a unique perspective on the conflict that would shape the course of world history.
A renowned journalist, Behr was celebrated for his fearless and unwavering commitment to reporting on conflict-ridden regions, consistently placing himself in the midst of tumultuous events to bring forth crucial information to the masses.
He was an eyewitness to the pivotal moments in history, having been present in Saigon during the Tet offensive, a turning point in the Vietnam War, where he courageously chronicled the unfolding chaos.
Behr's reporting prowess was not limited to a single conflict, as he also found himself in the midst of the student riots in Paris, where he fearlessly captured the essence of the tumultuous era.
Furthermore, he was in Prague during the Russian occupation, providing invaluable insights into the political climate of the region.
As the 1970s dawned, Behr redirected his focus from war reporting to more in-depth storytelling, authoring books and producing television documentaries that showcased his versatility and talent.
Among his most notable works were award-winning programs on India, Ireland, and the Kennedy family, cementing his reputation as a masterful storyteller and a stalwart of the journalism world.
Notable among his numerous and varied productions was the documentary "The American Way of Death", a groundbreaking and thought-provoking exploration of the funeral industry in America, shedding light on the often-overlooked and fascinating world of death and mourning in the United States.
Additionally, he created a documentary that delved into the life and legacy of Emperor Hirohito, a pivotal figure in Japanese history, offering a unique and insightful perspective on the former emperor's reign and impact on the country.
Furthermore, he produced a three-part series that provided a comprehensive and in-depth examination of the Tiananmen Square massacre, a pivotal event in modern Chinese history, and the events leading up to it, offering a nuanced and balanced perspective on the complex and tumultuous developments in communist China.
Noted American chef and food writer, Edward Behr, left behind a lasting legacy in the culinary world, and his personal life was marked by a deep and abiding love for his wife, Christiane, who would go on to continue his work and carry on his memory.
