In Memory of Itai Tzuri z”l: Our Friend and Leader in Sha’ar HaNegev

Today, the Jewish Federation of San Diego County remembers our friend, Itai Tzuri z”l, who passed this week after a long battle with cancer. Itai’s legacy will live on forever through his momentous impact on the community of Sha’ar HaNegev, Israel.

In life, Itai selflessly dedicated his time to establishing the Hydrotherapy Center in Sha’ar HaNegev, where he helped countless people since its opening in 2001. With an extreme passion for helping others and healing the world, Itai developed a unique and all inclusive method for the rehabilitation center, which caters to the disabled and people with special needs.

Itai lived to see his vision come to fruition— the creation of a rehabilitation center on the border of Gaza to provide relief and support for the residents of the Negev. This week, residents of Sha’ar HaNegev and San Diego are mourning the loss of a dear friend, community leader, and true mensch.

May Itai’s memory forever be a blessing and may HaMakom comfort us among the other mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.