The Israeli-American community grieves the loss of Shimon Erem, philanthropist, activist, humanitarian.

6/7/2012 4:52:53 PM

On Sunday, May 27, 2012 the Jewish community lost an inspiring leader. We mourn the loss of Shimon Erem, ILC honorary board member, philanthropist, humanitarian, and a great man. Shimon dedicated his life to Israel and the Jewish nation.

Born in Lithuania, Erem was raised in Israel and joined the Jewish Brigade of the British Army to fight in World War II. Stationed in Northern Italy, he witnessed the horrors of the Nazi death camps and spent the next several years leading a group of clandestine Nazi hunters. He was a key figure in Israel’s War of Independence and served in a team that commanded all Jewish underground operations in Europe, including the smuggling of Jews into Israel and arms acquisition. In 1948, he was chosen by David Ben-Gurion for a select group whose goal was to organize the first official Officers School of the Israeli Defense Forces. One of Israel’s most decorated military heroes, General Erem has played a major role in the Sinai Campaign, the Six Day War, and the Yom Kippur War. In 1970, Erem immigrated to the United States, and became involved in several organizations and causes that promote the welfare of Israel, including AIPAC, ADL, and the Israel Christian Nexus, of which he is founder and president.

Shimon is survived by his wife Danielle. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Danielle, the entire family, and friends. Shimon we will miss you dearly.  

Israeli Leadership Council