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Joseph Brender: more tributes
January 24, 2024 by J-Wire Newsdesk
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Two tributes from two Israelis in Australia, Israel’s ambassador to Australia, Amir Maimon and the NSW JNF’s emissary, Yossi Eshed, to Joseph Brender, who passed away on Shabbat.
Ambassador Amir Maimon
Amir Mainon told J-Wire: “Joseph’s loss will be mourned beyond Australia.
His passion, generosity and altruism will be remembered in Israel, where his contributions helped to build important national institutions, such as Tel Aviv University.
His love and affection for Israel and its people left a lasting impression on me. Joseph epitomised a remarkable generation of Jews who suffered terrible persecution in Europe but overcame incredible adversity to thrive in their new homeland. During his life, Joseph devoted his energy and shared the fruit of his labours in order to touch the lives of so many people in Australia and Israel – a fitting legacy that will endure long into the future.
Yossi Eshed recalled: “Last Friday, January 19, it is 3pm. Sitting with Joseph in his home, having a glass of Mihdleton and talking about the situation, as always. He’s telling me about the book Nathan Sheransky wrote, which he enjoyed so much, and that now he just started to read Alex Ryvchin’s new book.
Then we discuss the passing of Joseph’s very good friend, Prof. Amnon Rubinstein. “He was 92, we studied together back in the days in Tel Aviv. He was a good man”.
Yossi Eshed, Knesset Member Elazar Stern and Joseph Brender
Joseph asks me about Bibi, the war, and the changes and the new leadership of JNF, and it feels like it is just another Le’Chaim, another Shabbat. Then he complains about the treatment he’s on and says, “Why do I need it? I had a great life, and I can go now. Hakol breeder”. He smiles, and we do another Le’Chaim. “Lechaim Tovim”, for a good life, he says. As always.
Gerda joins us, drinking from Joseph’s glass and asks him to get closer to her as she wants to give him a kiss. As he does it, he looks at me and smiles again.
As I was about to leave, I gave him a kiss on his forehead and promised to call the day after. Hopefully he will tell me he’s better. But I never called. Slicha, Joseph.
That is the way to remember Joseph. He loved life, he loved his friends and family, and he loved the community and Israel. And until his very last day, he was enthusiastic about us, the Jewish people.
Toda, Joseph. I will always love you.
Joseph Brender and his partner, the late Sam Moss, were benefactors to Tel Aviv University, to which they donated a library.
Dafna Meitar Nechmad – Chairwoman of the Board of Governors, Prof. Ariel Porat- President, Amos Elad – Vice President and David Solomon – CEO Australian Friends of TAU, issued the following statement:
Tel Aviv University deeply mourns the passing of Joseph Brender Z”L.
An honorary degree recipient and longstanding Governor of TAU, whose dedication to Tel Aviv University spans many decades. A visionary and former Vice Chair of the Board of Governors who founded the Australian Friends of Tel Aviv University and built a legacy that includes significant contributions to the growth of the University and to the State of Israel in general.
The Brender-Moss Library, a landmark for the faculty of Social Sciences, was named in his honour.
He was a dear friend of Tel Aviv University, and his presence will continue to be felt on campus and among our family.
We extend our deepest condolences to Gerda and the entire family.
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