Hundreds of people have posted tribute messages on Facebook for fomer Executive Director of Bnei Akiva and co-founder of the London School of Jewish Studies Marc Weinberg, who has died of leukaemia aged 35.
Mr Weinberg, who leaves his wife Natalie and two young children Yona and Maayan, had been ill for three years and had a bone marrow transplant in April.
Mr Weinberg’s mother was former Executive Director of the Chief Rabbi’s office Syma Weinberg. He was mazkir artzi of Bnei Akiva in the UK. Later, Marc was a founder of the Alei Ziyyon minyan in London.
Mr Weinberg made aliyah in 2006 and the family lived in Modiin, central Israel.
During his time at Bnei Akiva, Mr Weinberg campaigned for missing soldiers in Israel, health issues for young people and lobbied rabbis to find a solution for agunot, chained wives who are not granted a religious divorce by their husbands.
Chief executive officer of the Jewish Leadership Council Jeremy Newmark said: “Marc was an inspirational leader and a towering figure in those parts of the Jewish world he was involved with.
"He contributed so much and touched so many in such a short time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Baruch Dayan Ha'emet.”
The Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks said: “He was one of the outstanding leaders of his generation.
"His vision, faith, passion and compassion drew people to him, and he drew the best from them. In a short life he wrote a long chapter in the story of our people in our time.
"He will be deeply mourned and long remembered.“
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