Israel’s First Lady Nechama Rivlin has died of lung failure on Tuesday at the age of 73.
Rivlin had received a lung transplant in March after suffering from a pulmonary illness for years.
Despite her condition, she regularly appeared in public alongside her husband with a mobile oxygen device.
In a statement, President Rivlin thanked Beilinson Hospital’s staff for the “dedicated, sensitive and professional treatment she received over the last few months, nights and days, with a broad and welcoming heart.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among those to pay tribute to the First Lady. “Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife Sara and I express deep sorrow for the passing of the wife of the president, Nechama Rivlin,” he said.
“We all prayed for her healing during the last period in which she fought bravely and intensely for her life. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the president and to all his family. R.I.P,” he added,
Meanwhile Blue and White party co-chairman Benny Gantz said the party is “bowing its head in memory” of Rivlin. “Nechama was a wonderful woman, she faced difficulties with a smile and a model for all of Israel. R.I.P,” he added.
The Jewish Leadership Council tweeted its “deepest condolences” to President Rivlin and his family. “May her memory be a blessing,” they added.
