Israel’s Leaders Offer Their Condolences To The Rivlin Family

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered his condolences to the Rivlin family upon the petira of First Lady Nechama Rivlin Tuesday morning, and offered his condolences to President Reuven Rivlin..

“Along with all the citizens of Israel, my wife Sara and I feel deep sorrow at the death of the president’s wife, Nechama Rivlin,” Netanyahu said in a brief statement.

“We all prayed for her recovery during the recent period during which she fought bravely and intensely for her life. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the president and to all his family,” he said.

Israel’s Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi David Lau called Nechama Rivlin a “woman of valor” who for many years “stood by her husband as he served the public with endless devotion and humility.”

Social Equality Minister Gila Gamliel (Likud) said that the people of Israel “said goodbye” to Mrs. Rivlin “with a heavy heart,” calling her a “woman who was great in her unpretentiousness, and simple in her greatness. Nechama leaves behind a great legacy of loving people, of striving for the unity of Israel, and accepting those who are different.”

Outgoing Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked also offered her condolences:

“Together with all the citizens of Israel, I share in President Reuven Rivlin’s mourning over the passing of his wife, Nechama. The Rivlins were exemplary as a couple, and for their love of truth. I merited to know Nechama personally over the past few years, and found an amazing personality, with great love for the State of Israel and its people.”

Science Minister Ofir Akunis (Likud) called Mrs. Rivlin’s passing a “sad day” for the State of Israel.

“I offer my condolences to President Rivlin and the whole family on the passing of Mrs. Nechama Rivlin. I knew Nechama for many years before she became the First Lady. She was an impressive woman, broadminded, attentive to all, and open to everyone. This is a sad day for the Rivlin family and the State of Israel.”

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelsterin offered his condolences to Rivlin on behalf of the legislature. “She was a special person, her bright and shining countenance touched everyone she encountered. She will be greatly missed,” he said in a statement.

Kichol V’lavan party leader Benny Gantz also extended condolences, saying the first lady was a “wonderful woman whose face was always shining no matter what difficulty she faced.”