“She was a believer in the abilities of all people and an outspoken protector of children. Her legacy of love will endure.”
In June 2019, Israel mourned the death of an illustrious woman, Nechama Rivlin, the First lady of Israel since 2014, who passed away at the age of 73 years old from pulmonary fibrosis.
Nechama was born on an Israeli farming community center cofounded by her parents, Mendi and Drora Shulman, who emigrated from Ukraine. She began her studies in natural sciences and biology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Botany and Zoology. A couple of years later, she became a zoological researcher at the University and later at the Department of Ecology.
Nechama and President Reuven Rivlin married in 1971, they had three children – Rivka, Anat and Ran. Mrs Rivlin was a devoted grandmother to Matan, Ziv, Shai, Karni, Maya, Daniella and Yahav. Having had the chance of hosting her here in Brussels several years ago, she couldn’t leave the country without a gift to spoil her grandchildren.
In 2007, Nechama was diagnosed with the illness which forced her to take a mobile oxygen tank with her at all times. Despite her condition, she maintained her activities for causes she held dear to her heart, she loved to read and meet the authors, she was an environmental advocate and continued to share her love of art. Nechama Rivlin was particularly keen to help children with special needs.
Mrs Rivlin supported ALEH, Israel foundation helping children with special needs to reach educational and rehabilitative care fought to create a more caring and inclusive society in Israel. ALEH has developed numerous programs involving families, schoolchildren, university students, the IDF, and hundreds of volunteers both in Israel and abroad.
She often told the children that everyone has a disability and a special need of some kind. It’s more obvious in some people, and less obvious in others – but no one is immune, she said.
The funeral service of Nechama Rivlin took place earlier this month. The president, Reuven Rivlin, red-eyed and visibly grief-stricken, was surrounded by his children and grandchildren as he recited the kaddish mourners' prayer. An outpouring of condolence messages from country and community leaders worldwide, as well as from the Israeli public, helped support him. They all reiterated the same message - we are fortunate to have known her, and for all the good that she spread around her. May her memory be a blessing.