The Zionist Federation of Australia extends condolences on behalf of the Australian Jewish community to Israel’s President, Reuven Rivlin and his family on the passing of his wife and Israel’s First Lady, Nechama Rivlin z”l yesterday.
Nechama Rivlin was, by all accounts, an individual who assumed her national responsibilities with grace, bringing her innate characteristics of humanity, respect and commitment to those in need to her role. She was renowned as a staunch advocate for women, taking up the cause of victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. She devoted much energy and dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities and volunteered in the Israeli Prison Service with modesty and compassion. Her own health issues did not deter her from demonstrating her passion and care for those in need.
As tributes for Mrs Rivlin pour in from world leaders, Jewish community leaders from across the world and of course from Israelis from so many parts of society, we learn more of the quiet yet profound contribution she made in Israel and beyond.
She will be remembered for her values, her warmth and her compassion to all. Her altruism and her achievements in raising awareness and sensitivity for those in need will be a legacy for Israeli society into the future.
Her loss will, of course, be felt most keenly by her family- by President Rivlin, their children Rivka, Anat and Ran and their grandchildren. We send them our sympathies and wishes for long life.
May her memory be a blessing, for her family and friends, the State of Israel and the Jewish world.
For media enquiries please contact:
Jeremy Leibler, President – +61 417 382 387, jleibler@abl.com.au
Ginette Searle, CEO –+613 9272 5517, gsearle@zfa.com.au
