Israel's First Lady, Nechama Rivlin, passes away aged 73

Nechama Rivlin, the First Lady of Israel and the wife of President Reuven Rivlin, died Tuesday morning (June 4th) at the age of 73.

She died at Beilinson Hospital in Petach Tikva, one day before her 74th birthday.

Earlier this year, Mrs. Rivlin underwent a single lung transplant at Beilinson. The First Lady had been suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, and underwent the operation following a lengthy waiting period to find a donated lung.


While the operation to transplant the lung had been a success, Mrs. Rivlin was left in serious condition, suffering shortness of breath due to cardiac complications.

In 1971 she married Reuven (Rubi) Rivlin and settled in Jerusalem. Nechama had three children - Rivi (Rivka), Anat and Ran.

Condoling with the president,the staff of Beilinson Hospital said;

"Unfortunately, all the doctors' efforts to stabilize her during the complex rehabilitation process that followed her transplant failed,” hospital officials said. 

"The medical teams of the chest, lung, cardiology and intensive care units did not leave Mrs. Rivlin's bed throughout the period, we treated this wonderful woman with devotion and professionalism".

"This is a sad day for all of us at the medical center. The hospital staff is mourning.”

"We embrace the family and send our condolences to the President of the State, their children, grandchildren and family."