Federation Mourns Ariel Sharon

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The Jewish Federations mourn the death of Israel’s former Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, z"l, who passed away today at the age of 85 following medical complications.

JFNA Board of Trustees Chair Michael Siegal and JFNA President and CEO Jerry Silverman issued a joint statement lamenting Sharon’s passing.

“Today, Jewish Federations mourn the loss of a great Israeli leader. Ariel Sharon was a highly regarded military leader, but he was also a peacemaker. One of the country’s most daring and celebrated generals, he was also a man who was able to take bold steps in the hopes of achieving peace."

“Sharon worked his entire life for the unity of the Jewish People. He was closely connected with Jewish communities around the world, and acutely aware of their needs and aspirations. In all his leadership roles, and especially as prime minister of the Jewish state, Sharon engaged with Jewish communities across the Diaspora. He was a regular speaker at Jewish Federation events and is warmly remembered for welcoming countless Federation groups to his private home in the Negev.

“Today it is not only the State of Israel that has lost one of its most celebrated figures, but the Jewish people as a whole. Arik Sharon was not just the prime minister of the Jewish state, but a determined and inspirational leader of the entire Jewish world. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his sons Omri and Gilad, to the entire Sharon family, and to all the people of Israel.”

Jewish Federation leadership is sending official condolences to the Sharon family and to the Israeli government, and will be represented at the late prime minister’s funeral.