Obituary

Jack Ukeles, researcher of Jewish communities, dies at 89 years old in Jerusalem

Ukeles, who died July in Jerusalem at the age of 89, was widely and deeply admired as well for his integrity, wisdom, and compassion on both a personal and professional level. 

In a five decade career, Jack Ukeles  offered policy research, planning and management for a range of secular and Jewish non-profits.
A picture taken on July 10, 2026 shows US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) speaking to the media after his meeting with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, just days before his sudden passing.

Lindsey Graham’s death leaves a void in US support for Israel and Ukraine

MUNICH, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 14: Sen Lindsey Graham, Member of the US Senate, speaks to the people during the demonstration for human rights in Iran at Theresienwiese during the 62nd Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026 in Munich, Germany.

Lindsey Graham remembered as dedicated advocate for Iran's opposition

US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) speaks to reporters, as members of Congress work to resolve a dispute over immigration enforcement and avert a looming partial government shutdown, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, US, January 30, 2026.

Lindsey Graham advocated for Israel through his policies until the end


Remembering Avraham Avi-Hai: a man of many paths

From working in journalism at the Jerusalem Post to working in politics, Avi-Hai never tired in his love of Israel or his love for the Jewish people.

Avraham Avi-hai at his home in Jerusalem’s Yemin Moshe neighborhood.

Herbert Gold, novelist who mined his own Jewish upbringing, dies at 99

Herbert Gold, a prolific, San Francisco-based novelist and poet known for his story “The Heart of an Artichoke,” died on Nov. 19 at age 99.

 Novelist Herbert Gold.

Shelley Akabas, Columbia U social work pioneer who transformed the world of work, dies at 92

Sheila (Shelley) Akabas, a professor of social work at Columbia University, pioneered research into how labor and management could expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

 Sheila (Shelley) Akabas, a retired professor of social work at Columbia University, pioneered research into how labor and management could expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities and other challenges.

Mourning Ed Mlavsky – Israeli hi-tech’s catalyst for growth - opinion

There has been little recognition of the outsized role that he played in parlaying the cutting-edge technologies of Israeli companies into successful joint ventures with US firms for mutual growth.


Jenessa Schwartz, Bay Area day school teacher and cancer ‘thriver,’ dies at 41

In 2022, Schwartz won the Ruby Award from the San Francisco-based Jewish Learning Works for excellence in Jewish youth education and engagement.

 Students from the World ORT-affiliated Colegio Leon Pinelo in Lima, Peru, prepare for Rosh Hashana.

Arie Levanon, Israeli composer, dies at 91

One of his personal favorites was the song “Tiyul B’Shnaim” (“A Walk for Two”), performed by Ran & Nama, which he considered his greatest contribution to Israeli music. 

 ARIE LEVANON

Alice Shalvi - The secret of eternal youth

Prof. Alice Shalvi passed away on Monday at 96.

Alice Shalvi

Israeli professor, Jewish feminism educator Alice Shalvi dies at 96

She is survived by five of her six children,  21 grandchildren,  and 26 great-grandchildren, which is quite a legacy for someone who escaped Nazi Germany in time.

Alice Shalvi

Mary Ann Stein, philanthropist who supported social justice in US and Israel, dies at 80

A supporter of Palestinian as well as Israeli Jewish rights, she served as co-president of Americans for Peace Now and supported then-President Bill Clinton’s criticism of Israeli settlement policy.

Mary Ann Stein was the founding president of The Moriah Fund, and a past president of New Israel Fund.

Robert M. Beren: Remembering a Jewish philanthropic giant - opinion

Mr. Beren’s impact on the Jewish community, and especially on Jewish education, has been of global magnitude. He spent his life supporting countless major Jewish institutions.

 PROMINENT JEWISH philanthropist Robert M. Beren, who passed away last month, attends the dedication of Ohr Torah Stone’s Beren Academic Center in Migdal Oz, in 2012.