Itz Stein z"l

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It is with the deepest and heartfelt regret that we announce the passing of our friend, colleague and former Telfed Director Itz Stein on the 28th April 2009.
The following is the eulogy delivery by Itz Kalmanowitz at the funeral...

  ITZ STEIN

   – Eulogy by  Itz Kalmanowitz, a friend and representing Telfed.

Itz Stein was an optimist. A man looking at the future with no looking backwards. It is difficult to imagine the South African Zionist movement without him.

He served the Zionist movement at different times as a Professional staff member and also as a volunteer. He served with great distinction as the Director of the Telfed office for five years. He also spent two years as a very successful Aliya Shaliach in Cape Town. People whom he counseled there still regard him as a close friend.

As a lay leader, he was a member of the Executive Council of Telfed, an active member of the Loans committee and of the Aliya Projects committee. Most recently he was elected as a member of the Board of Governors of Telfed. In all his work, Itz displayed sensitivity, understanding and initiative in his suggestions and actions.

As the Director of Telfed, the staff had not only a boss, but also a mentor and a father figure who was a wise leader and initiator. He served as a moral example to all with whom he came in contact.

His relationship with the lay leadership was always one of cordiality and friendship. He knew everyone personally, their background, their goals motivations and ideals. He was trusted, loved and respected. Itz Stein was a balanced pragmatic, sensible individual. This cautious characteristic did not inhibit his sense of courage, enabling him to fight courageously for changes when the occasion warranted this.

As a leader of the Zionist Federation in South Africa for many years my colleagues and I knew that if Itz Stein recommended something, it had been fully researched, considered and checked and was something worth while pursuing.  It was not difficult to take decisions when the recommendation came from him.

His involvement in the multifaceted activities of Telfed was always felt whether his involvement was direct or indirect. His modest, moderate and pleasant way was admired and respected by all. He played a role in the activities of Kibbutz Tzora,  Kibbutz Yizreel, and Kibbutz Tuval. Not to speak of his contribution to the setting up and helping to solve problems at the Hostel in Givatayim, Efrat,  Kochav Yair, the old offices in Hayarkon Street and the places where he lived at various times in Jerusalem, Herzliya and Kfar Vradim.

Which South African who came on Aliya in the last 30 years did not know Itz Stein, in one way or another? He anticipated and attended to their needs, worried about each one as if he were the only one and tried to help with personal problems always leaving a positive message that would stand him in good stead for the future. How well I remember the visit he paid me when I arrived in Jerusalem 25 years ago when he travelled from Tel Aviv to welcome us.


His major work and time involved in the community did not minimize his love and responsibility to his family. I can testify personally to this, especially his warm hospitality that I enjoyed at his home in Kfar Vradim several years ago.

The entire South African community condoles with Shirley and her family


Yehi Zichro Baruch