Giris first instructed my law-firm, Lewis Silkin, some 16 years ago since when he became not only a valued client but also a most unusual and cherished friend. In or around 2009 we began to work together more closely and intensely as the Islington Square project started to be realised. Giris’ great strength and drive kept the project alive in the face of the most difficult years following the 2008 financial collapse. He saw the development come of age some 17 years after its inception. Islington Square (which few thought could be realised) stands testament to Giris’ determination and vision.
But there was always more. Giris was a man to whom could be applied more personal adjectives than anyone I know -  fascinating, broad-minded, patient, impatient, funny, prophetic, politically aware and informed, challenging, demanding, strong, driven, generous, warm, kind – and a twinkling stare that could see through you and a smile and laugh which was easy to reciprocate.
Two anecdotes come to mind. First, having given him some nine months due notice of my three month work sabbatical in 2013 (trekking in the Himalayas and then on to South Africa), little did I know of his ability to track me down (by phone) – both to wish me well and to seek some legal advice. Second –when he would not take my strong advice on a particular issue, voices were raised, phones uncharacteristically slammed down. Five minutes later, Giris calls me and disarmingly said “Have we made up then?”. It was difficult not to!
Our lives (both professionally and personally) were enriched by his wisdom and often spot-on judgment. He was a unique commercial client who treated our professional relationship as personal friendship. I shall miss our almost daily early morning Talmudic chats which would always begin with a discussion of the political event of the day.
Giris was a spiritual man and a man of vision – which he preferred to plans – and which reminds me of something Woody Allen once said “if you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans”.
We’ll miss you but in true tribal fashion, the memory of you will live on.
Shalom Giris.
Len Goodrich November 2020