Obituary
Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama, known for dots and pumpkins, dies at 97
Kusama, who was candid about her mental health struggles, said New York gave her neuroses. Around 1977, a few years after returning to Japan, she voluntarily entered a mental hospital.
Dolly Parton remembered for inspiring PJ Library and championing children's literacy
British-born Israeli actress Caroline Langford dies at 68 after battle with cancer
Renowned IDF paratrooper, architect of Kurdish relations, Tzuri Sagi dies aged 92
Rabbi Albert Thaler, founding director of Ramah Nyack day camp, dies at 91
Rabbi Thaler, who ran the camp until 1997 and also served for 37 years as rabbi of Temple Gates of Prayer in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens, died April 18. He was 91.
Naomi Polani, veteran performer and director dies at 96
Along with being in the popular Israeli band "The Roosters," Polani founded and performed with other groups, choreographed, taught music around the country, and hosted radio music programs.
Iconic Israeli singer and actress Naomi Polani passes away at 96
In 2018, president Reuven Rivlin honored Polani with the President’s Award, which coincided with her 90th birthday and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the state.
O.J. Simpson, former NFL star acquitted of his wife's murder, has died, his family says
After his acquittal, Simpson said that "I will pursue as my primary goal in life the killer or killers who slayed Nicole and Mr. Goldman... They are out there somewhere... "
Iraqi-Israeli writer, civil rights activist Sami Michael dies at 97
He was celebrated not only for his literary works, but also for his social activism and work on behalf of human rights and coexistence in Israel.
Texas man who lived seven decades in iron lung dies at age 78
Alexander graduated law school, passed the bar and practiced law. He also traveled to every continent, his brother said.
Ben Stern, Holocaust survivor who stood up to neo-Nazis in Skokie, dies at 102
Stern's life story featured in the documentary film “Near Normal Man” and in his 2022 memoir, “Near Normal Man: Survival with Courage, Kindness and Hope.”
Fashion icon Iris Apfel dead at 102
Apfel devoured life as only she knew how, taking advantage of every opportunity that came her way and never allowing age to become a barrier.
Remembering Ellen Bernstein, 70, the ‘birthmother’ of Jewish environmentalism
When the Song of Songs is read in synagogues around the world this Passover, Ellen’s earth-focused translation will breathe new life into the ancient, deeply sensual text.
Brooklyn ‘Queer icon’ and progressive Jewish activist, Shelly Weiss, dies at 77
“How do we, as a queer Jewish community, look towards early Jewish roots in the immigrant experience and create community that really supports those of us who are disadvantaged?”
