Nechama Rivlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nechama Rivlin
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| נֶחָמָה רִיבְלִין | |
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| First Lady of Israel | |
| In role 24 July 2014 – 4 June 2019 |
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| President | Reuven Rivlin |
| Preceded by | Sonia Peres (2011) |
| Succeeded by | Michal Herzog (2021) |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Nechama Shulman
5 June 1945 Herut, Mandatory Palestine |
| Died | 4 June 2019 (aged 73) Petah Tikva, Israel |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | Hebrew University of Jerusalem (B.Sc.) |
Nechama Rivlin (Hebrew: נֶחָמָה רִיבְלִין, born Shulman; June 5, 1945 – June 4, 2019) was an important Israeli researcher and the First Lady of Israel from 2014 to 2019. Before becoming First Lady, she worked for many years at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
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Growing Up and Learning
Nechama Rivlin was born in a small farming community called Herut, Israel. Her parents, Mendi and Drora Kayla Shulman, came from Ukraine. They helped start the community where Nechama grew up.
Nechama's father passed away when she was only five years old. Her mother worked very hard to manage their farm, which had an orchard, cattle, and chickens. Nechama later wrote about her mother's strength and determination.
Nechama attended local schools and graduated from Ruppin Regional High School. In 1964, she went to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. There, she earned a degree in Botany (the study of plants) and Zoology (the study of animals). She also received a diploma to teach.
Her Work as a Scientist
In 1967, Nechama Rivlin began her career as a researcher at Hebrew University. She first worked in the Department of Zoology. Later, she moved to the genetics division within the Department of Ecology.
Her final role at the university was as a scientific secretary at the Institute of Life Sciences. She retired from her work in 2007.
As First Lady of Israel
As the wife of the Israeli President, Nechama Rivlin focused on topics she cared about deeply. These included nature, the environment, and supporting women and children.
Supporting Children and Peace
One of her first big projects as First Lady was to welcome 200 activists from Akim to the President's residence. Akim is an organization that helps children with intellectual challenges. She wanted to bring attention to their needs and encourage support for them.
Nechama Rivlin also promoted peace and understanding. She invited students and teachers from the Hand in Hand: Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel to the President's Residence. This happened after an attack on their school. She spoke about how important it is to stop violence, especially against children.
International Visits
Nechama Rivlin often joined her husband, President Reuven Rivlin, on trips to other countries. For example, they visited U.S. President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House. This was for a Hanukkah celebration in December 2015. During the visit, Nechama and Reuven lit a special menorah made in Israel.
Promoting Hebrew Poetry
In 2018, Nechama Rivlin created the Dr. Gardner Simon Prize for Hebrew Poetry. This award celebrates new Hebrew poetry. She presented the very first prize to the poet Amichai Chasson.
Personal Life and Health
Nechama met Reuven Rivlin at a party in 1970. They got married in 1971. Reuven had a son from his first marriage, and Nechama had three children with him: Rivka, Anat, and Ran. The family lived in a place called Yefeh Nof.
After she retired in 2007, Nechama enjoyed watching movies and plays. She also became very interested in gardening and learning about the environment. Later in her life, she studied the history of art.
Nechama Rivlin had a serious lung condition called pulmonary fibrosis. This disease makes it hard for the lungs to work properly. She was often seen in public with a portable oxygen tank to help her breathe.
In March 2019, she received a lung transplant. Sadly, she passed away on June 4, 2019, at Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikva. This was just one day before her 74th birthday. She died due to problems after the transplant. Her sister, Vered, survived her.
Funeral and Burial
Nechama Rivlin's body was laid in state at the Jerusalem Theatre on June 5, 2019. Many people came to pay their respects. Speakers at her funeral included Rabbi Binyamin Lau and author Haim Be'er. Her husband, President Rivlin, and her children also spoke about her. Singers Rona Kenan and Alon Eder performed at the service.
Later that day, Nechama Rivlin was buried at the Mount Herzl national cemetery in Jerusalem.
See also
In Spanish: Nechama Rivlin para niños
