Board mourns passing of Ariel Sharon z"l

We send our deepest condolences to the family of Ariel Sharon, and the nation of Israel on his passing. 

z"l

He was a towering and at times challenging figure who played a dominant role in many of the critical moments in the history of Israel, showing outstanding gallantry and flair. He was among Israel's greatest military strategists and a master of tank warfare, an art learnt at staff college in Britain. His Premiership started during the most sustained period of attacks on Israeli civilian life in the country's existence, but by the end of 2005 he had largely thwarted the danger to civilian life, something for which all Jews should be forever grateful.

His final major act demonstrated his vision and political boldness in unilaterally withdrawing from Gaza in pursuit of the peace process with the Palestinians. It is tragic that only months later he entered into the coma from which he never emerged. His courage and vision will be greatly missed.