Netanya Mayor Miriam Feirberg died on Friday at age 74 after a long-term struggle with a serious illness.
She was mayor for 27 years. She passed away at home.
The municipality said that it is shocked and heartbroken.
“She served the city with a sense of mission, devotion, and endless commitment for many years. With her captivating smile, Miriam became the face of Netanya in Israel and around the world.”
President Isaac Herzog said that he and his wife loved her.
“She was a larger-than-life woman, a devoted public servant with all her heart, a woman of action, and a true leader with a heart of gold and deep social sensitivity.
“During her tenure, Netanya changed beyond recognition and became a leading city in many fields. Her immense imprint in every corner of the city, and no less so in the hearts of its residents and many others, will stand as a worthy memorial to the extraordinary leader who has left us,” he said.
Dedication to serving Netanya
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he shares in the profound sorrow of the family and friends of his dear friend.
“Miriam led the city of Netanya for decades and dedicated her life to public service, advancing society and bold, forward-looking urban development,” he said. “In every meeting with her over the decades, Miriam sought to advance the city of Netanya. She lived, breathed, and dreamed Netanya, and this was evident in the enormous development of the city under her leadership,” he said.
Defense Minister Israel Katz also eulogized Feirberg, calling her “a close and dear friend to my heart.”
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid echoed the statement, adding that “Miriam changed the face of the city and contributed greatly to the development of culture and sports in Netanya.”
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav, Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar, and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar also offered their condolences.