Israel’s first lady, Nechama Rivlin, 73, has died. She died at the Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva yesterday Tuesday June 4th after a long battle with a respiratory disease.
Three months ago, Rivlin underwent a lung transplant. Rivlin suffered from pulmonary fibrosis and required the constant use of a portable oxygen tank, which was attached to her even during official ceremonies she attended with her husband.
The former first lady got married to the president, Reuven Rivlin, in 1971 and lived in Jerusalem.
Condoling with the president, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement said
“Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife Sara and I express deep sorrow at the passing of the wife of the president, Nehama Rivlin. We all prayed for her healing during the recent period in which she fought bravely and with all her might for her life.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the president and to all his family. May her memory be a blessing”.
May her soul rest in peace, Amen.