Français
Español
English
Portuguese
Herzog, the mother of President Isaac Herzog and wife of late President Chaim Herzog, is remembered for a life of public service and activism.
By Pesach Benson, United With Israel
Aura Herzog, mother of President Isaac Herzog, died on Monday at the age of 97.
She served as Israel’s First Lady during Chaim Herzog’s presidency from 1983 to 1993. Her son, Isaac, is Israel’s current president. Another son, Michael, is Israel’s ambassador to the United States.
Mrs. Herzog’s sister, Suzy, was married to Abba Eban, Israel’s former top diplomat. She passed away in 2011.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett recalled Mrs. Herzog as “a public figure and social activist who loved her people and country. She lived humbly and raised a family to be proud of, while constantly working for the public and Israeli society.”
U.S. Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides eulogized Mrs. Herzog on Twitter, calling her “a tireless social activist and public servant in Israel, and a beloved wife, mother, and friend of the United States.”
The Herzogs were well-regarded in the U.S. when Chaim served as a military attache and later as ambassador to the United Nations. He died in 1997.
Aura (nee Ambash) was born in Egypt after the Turks expelled her parents from Jaffa during World War I. She grew up in Ismailiya and Cairo before obtaining a B.A. in math and physics at South Africa’s Witwatersrand University.
She moved to pre-state Israel in 1946 and joined the Haganah, the forerunner of the Israel Defense Forces. She graduated from the Jewish Agency’s first course for diplomatic cadets, then married Chaim Herzog in 1947. During Israel’s War of Independence, Mrs. Herzog worked as an intelligence officer and then in the Science Corps.
Mrs. Herzog was involved in public service ever since. She Herzog founded the Bible Quiz, which is held every year on Israel’s Independence Day. She also founded Israel’s first environmental NGO, the Council for a Beautiful Israel in 1968, and was an active leader in the organization for 38 years.
Other endeavors included serving as head of the Education Ministry’s department of culture for eight years; an active advisory board member of Mifal Hapayis, a national lottery that provides funds for schools, community and cultural centers and sports arenas; and leading the first “Keeping Israel Clean” campaign in 1988. She even wrote a book on hospitality and etiquette to raise awareness among Israelis about the cultural differences of Jewish immigrants.
Mrs. Herzog is said to be responsible for Isaac Herzog’s nickname, “Bougie.”
Aura Herzog is survived by four children and numerous grandchildren. She will buried beside her husband at the Mt. Herzl Cemetery in Jerusalem.
Bring Joy to Israeli Soldiers - Send Winter Care Packages!
We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to defend the citizens of Israel.
Join us in sending winter care packages and personal notes of support to Israeli soldiers who are out in the cold all day.
Warm up a soldier's heart with essential winter wear including fleece jackets, hats, gloves and more. Keep an entire unit warm!
THE SOLDIERS REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR LOVE AND CONCERN!
Click Here to Send Your Gift and Personal Note to Israeli Soldiers
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!
