Mayor Nahum Hofree:  “Raanana bows its head today in memory of Binyamin Wolfovitz, an accomplished man who worked tirelessly on behalf of the city and its residents, whom he so loved”

Last weekend, former Raanana mayor, Binyamin Wolfovitz passed away at the age of 87.  Wolfovitz, a Raanana dignitary, began his public service as secretary of the Workers’ Council and subsequently was elected as the head of the city council and served in this position from 1969 to 1981.  When Raanana officially was proclaimed a city in June of 1981, he continued to lead as mayor until 1989.

Over the years, Wolfovitz played an important and substantial part in the development of Raanana and its transformation into one of Israel’s leading cities, while laying the foundations for its accelerated development in the fields of transportation, educational and public institutions, etc.  During his tenure, he established middle and elementary schools, Yad Labanim, the absorption center, the country club, the handball and squash club and many other institutions.

In a moving letter sent to Raanana students in June of 1981, when Raanana was proclaimed a city, he wrote:  “We are fortunate to see the dream and hopes of the city’s initial settlers come true – the establishment of a large settlement in this location has become a reality....In the future, we will continue to ensure that Raanana’s green and rural character and atmosphere is preserved.  We will all ensure that this will be a city to be proud of, and which is pleasant to live in.”

After his retirement from political life, he did not stop working for communal causes and dedicated his time and energy to Raanana’s senior population.  He established the Association for the Elderly, which he headed for a decade and built the Senior Citizens’ Daycare Center, which has become an essential, central and important part of the lives of the city’s senior population.

As a symbol of respect, the municipality laid Wolfovitz’s coffin in front of the City Hall last Friday, and afterward, his funeral was held at the Old Cemetery.

Mayor Nahum Hofree in a eulogy delivered at the funeral:  “You came to Israel as a hero who survived the Holocaust.  Heroes are those who experienced pure hatred, were targets of abuse and humiliation, lost their loved ones as a result of genocide, and survived.  You survived and chose life, chose to live in the State of Israel.  We say farewell to you, but your spirit and vision continue with us.  Your imprint can be found in every corner of the city.  We thank you for turning Raanana into a source of pride for us all.”

Binyamin Wolfovitz was survived by his wife, Sarah, two daughters and grandchildren.

In the photo:  Raanana’s mayor eulogizing Binyamin Wolfovitz at his funeral ceremony at the cemetery.  Photographer:  Avishai Klein.