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Statement on the passing of Nechama Rivlin

Jewish Federations of Canada – UIA and the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) mourn the passing of Nechama Rivlin, Israel’s First Lady.

June 4, 2019

Toronto, ON—Nechama Rivlin, the wife of Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, died Tuesday morning at the age of 73. Upon learning this, the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) and Jewish Federations of Canada – UIA issued the following:

“Mrs. Rivlin was a leader in unifying Israeli society in all its diversity as exemplified by her participation in an historic meeting with leaders of the LGBT community at Tel Aviv's LGBT Center in 2017,” said Michael Frankel, Chair, JFC-UIA. “She leaves an extraordinary legacy marked by compassion, kindness, and public service. She is mourned by Canada’s Jewish community and will be deeply missed by the people of Israel. May her memory be for a blessing.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to President Rivlin, his family, and the people of Israel,” said Joel Reitman, Co-Chair of CIJA. “Israel's First Lady was a dedicated champion of women's rights, people with disabilities, and the environment. She touched the lives of so many.”

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The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA.

Jewish Federations of Canada-UIA is dedicated to supporting Canadian Jewish Federations by increasing our philanthropic capabilities, national and international influence, connection to Israel and each other, and capacity for collective thought and action.