Obituaries

Jean-Luc Godard, revolutionary filmmaker who polarized Jews with his Israel and Holocaust commentary, dies at 91

The French cinematic innovator harshly criticized Israel, Steven Spielberg and film depictions of the Holocaust throughout his life.

By Andrew Lapin September 13, 2022 3:06 pm

Queen Elizabeth, whose reign encompassed the 20th-century ascent of British Jewry, dead at 96

British Jewish leaders echoed figures from around the globe in pronouncing the “end of an era.”

September 8, 2022 3:28 pm

Mikhail Gorbachev, Soviet leader whose reforms included letting Jews leave for Israel, dies at 91

Gorbachev was a hero in Israel, where a potato was named for him and where he said he regretted the antisemitism that led to an exodus of Soviet Jews.

August 30, 2022 9:42 pm

Harlene Winnick Appelman, Jewish educator and longtime Covenant Foundation leader, dies at 75

By Ron Kampeas August 25, 2022 2:55 pm

Rolf Eden, Germany’s leading playboy who fought in Israel’s War of Independence, dies at 92

By Cnaan Liphshiz August 17, 2022 10:08 am

Svika Pick, Eurovision-winning singer who coaxed Israel into the world of pop, dies at 72

By Ron Kampeas August 16, 2022 9:05 am

Elana Dykewomon, influential author whose characters were Jewish lesbians like her, dies at 72

By Andrew Esensten and Philissa Cramer August 12, 2022 6:00 am

Olivia Newton-John, ‘Grease’ star and granddaughter of Jewish Nobel laureate, dies at 73

By Jackie Hajdenberg August 8, 2022 6:59 pm

Melissa Bank, bestselling author of modern Jewish heroines, dies at 61

By Andrew Lapin August 4, 2022 12:20 pm

Remembering Larry Josephson, a NY radio pioneer with a late love for all things Jewish

By Jon Kalish August 3, 2022 3:53 pm

Get JTA's Daily Briefing in your inbox

Get JTA's Daily Briefing in your inbox