Ethan Felson
Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford
Communicated by email
The passing of Bernice Saltzman is a painful loss, personally and for our community.
During her years as Israel Task Force chair of the Jewish Federation’s Community Relations Council, Bernice led our celebrations of the 3000th anniversary of Jerusalem and the 50th anniversary of the State of Israel. She brought vision and creativity to every task.
Bernice also helped formulate our community’s responses to a painful series of violent situations in Israel. Too often was the familiar “Hello Darling” with which she greeted callers replaced by a solemn “oh dear.”
Bernice provided calm and reasoned leadership of the Israel Task Force during a time when our homeland threatened more to divide than to unite. Her unique brand of leadership came not from a desire to influence policy or attract a limelight. Instead, it came from the heart. Her passion and knowledge earned her the respect of those from across the political spectrum. Her love for Israel and for the Jewish community was personal and it was deep. She rose to every occasion.
Bernice brought out the best in us. She led is to common ground. She taught us. We are left with wonderful memories – but a terrible void.
Our hearts go out to Seymour, to her beloved children and grandchildren. We will all miss her tales of your family visits. They were such a delight for her.
May her loving memory live on for a blessing.