obituary

Iconic Israeli singer and actress Naomi Polani passes away at 96

In 2018, president Reuven Rivlin honored Polani with the President’s Award, which coincided with her 90th birthday and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the state. 

O.J. Simpson, former NFL star acquitted of his wife's murder, has died, his family says

After his acquittal, Simpson said that "I will pursue as my primary goal in life the killer or killers who slayed Nicole and Mr. Goldman... They are out there somewhere... "

Iraqi-Israeli writer, civil rights activist Sami Michael dies at 97

He was celebrated not only for his literary works, but also for his social activism and work on behalf of human rights and coexistence in Israel. 

Texas man who lived seven decades in iron lung dies at age 78

Alexander graduated law school, passed the bar and practiced law. He also traveled to every continent, his brother said.

By REUTERS
13/03/2024

Ben Stern, Holocaust survivor who stood up to neo-Nazis in Skokie, dies at 102

Stern's life story featured in the documentary film “Near Normal Man” and in his 2022 memoir, “Near Normal Man: Survival with Courage, Kindness and Hope.”

By ALIX WALL/JTA
06/03/2024

Fashion icon Iris Apfel dead at 102

Apfel devoured life as only she knew how, taking advantage of every opportunity that came her way and never allowing age to become a barrier. 

By TALI ARBEL
03/03/2024

Remembering Ellen Bernstein, 70, the ‘birthmother’ of Jewish environmentalism

When the Song of Songs is read in synagogues around the world this Passover, Ellen’s earth-focused translation will breathe new life into the ancient, deeply sensual text.

By SHIRA DICKER/JTA
01/03/2024

Brooklyn ‘Queer icon’ and progressive Jewish activist, Shelly Weiss, dies at 77

“How do we, as a queer Jewish community, look towards early Jewish roots in the immigrant experience and create community that really supports those of us who are disadvantaged?”

By ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL/JTA
27/02/2024

Jewish, British banker Jacob Rothschild dies aged 87

The Rothschild banking family traces its roots back to 18th century Frankfurt, from where different family members moved to cities across Europe to build out banking businesses.

26/02/2024

Funeral held on Monday for Chaya Chana Twersky, wife of Rabbi David Twersky

Chaya Chana Twersky, who passed away on February 18, was the daughter of a prominent Hasidic rabbi and was known as an extraordinary hostess and prominent figure in New York Hasidic Jewry

By ANDREW SILOW-CARROLL/JTA
21/02/2024
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