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Edited by: Fern Sidman
Cherna Moskowitz, a woman whose name has become synonymous with unwavering commitment to the Land of Israel, passed away on Thursday night at the age of 93. Her passing marks the end of an era in which she played a pivotal role in shaping the physical and ideological landscape of Israel, particularly in Jerusalem and the territories of Judea and Samaria, as was noted in a report on the Arutz Sheva web site. Born in 1931 in Wisconsin, Moskowitz’s life was characterized by a deep-rooted dedication to the Zionist cause, a legacy she shared with her late husband, Irving Moskowitz, and one that continues to impact the Jewish world profoundly.
Cherna Moskowitz was born into an immigrant family in the early 20th century. Her parents, who had immigrated to the United States in the early 1900s, settled in Wisconsin, where Moskowitz grew up during a time of economic hardship. As per the information provided in the Arutz Sheva report, the Great Depression was a defining period for her generation, and Moskowitz’s recollections of that time reflect a deep gratitude for the nurturing environment provided by her parents. She often spoke of how their dedication and support instilled in her the confidence and determination to make a difference in the world.
This early experience of resilience and the value of community likely shaped her later philanthropic endeavors, as she sought to provide similar support and opportunities to others, particularly in the Jewish community.
Cherna Moskowitz’s life was marked by a relentless dedication to the Zionist cause, a mission she pursued alongside her husband, Irving Moskowitz, of blessed memory. The couple’s work in Israel, particularly in the eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem and the towns of Judea and Samaria, was nothing short of transformative, the Arutz Sheva report revealed. They were instrumental in securing strategic properties for Jewish settlement and in facilitating the construction of housing and educational institutions in these contested areas.
Their efforts were not without controversy or opposition. The Moskowitzs often faced significant challenges, including hostility from those who opposed the expansion of Jewish settlements in these regions. Yet, their perseverance and dedication never wavered. The impact of their work is still visible today, as their efforts have literally changed the map of Israel, solidifying Jewish presence in key areas of the country.
Cherna Moskowitz’s contributions extended far beyond her work in settlement building. Arutz Sheva also reported that she served as the president of the Irving I. Moskowitz Foundation, through which she channeled significant resources into various causes, particularly those that aligned with her Zionist beliefs. Her leadership roles in numerous Jewish organizations further amplified her influence.
Moskowitz was a board member of several prominent institutions, including Nefesh B’Nefesh, The Ariel University Center, the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA), the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), Bar Ilan University, and the Hesder Yeshiva of Sderot. These positions allowed her to support a wide range of initiatives, from educational programs to health and welfare services, all aimed at strengthening the Jewish community and the State of Israel.
One of Moskowitz’s most significant contributions was her role in establishing and chairing the Moskowitz Prize for Zionism. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the Zionist cause, particularly in the face of adversity, the Arutz Sheva report explained. The prize has become a symbol of the enduring spirit of Zionism, honoring those who continue to build and defend the Land of Israel.
In recognition of their decades of work and unwavering dedication, Cherna and Irving Moskowitz were honored with the Jerusalem Award for Building the Land of Israel. The award highlighted their tireless efforts in securing strategic properties, supporting the construction of vital infrastructure, and elevating Religious-Zionist institutions to new heights.
The report on Arutz Sheva also said that the award’s citation poignantly captured the essence of the Moskowitzs’ contributions: “For decades of work, primarily in the eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem and the towns of Judea & Samaria, in securing strategic properties for the Jewish Nation and facilitating the construction of housing and educational institutions; for dedication and perseverance, often in the face of hostile opposition, that literally changed the map of Israel; and for supporting and helping to elevate Religious-Zionist institutions and communities to the highest of standards.”
As pioneers of Jewish settlement in these historically and strategically significant regions, the Moskowitzs’ influence extends far beyond their personal contributions, resonating through the lives of the over 800,000 Jews who now call these areas home, according to the information contained in the Arutz Sheva report. Yaakov “Ketzaleh” Katz, a prominent leader in the settlement movement and one of the earliest to forge a deep bond with the Moskowitzs, reflects on the enduring legacy of this remarkable couple.
Nearly 48 years ago, when Ketzaleh first arrived in the United States on a fundraising mission, Judea and Samaria were unfamiliar territories to most American Jews. The significance of establishing a Jewish presence in these areas, as well as in the eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem, was not widely recognized. However, Arutz Sheva reported that during his seven-week trip, Ketzaleh was directed to a couple in Los Angeles who were known for their passionate support of Israel. This couple was Irving and Cherna Moskowitz.
Ketzaleh recalls his first meeting with the Moskowitzs as the beginning of a deep and transformative partnership. “When I first arrived in the USA nearly 48 years ago, most American Jews were unfamiliar with Judea and Samaria, and many did not grasp the significance of establishing a Jewish presence in the eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem,” Ketzaleh reflected, as was indicated in the Arutz Sheva report. “During a 7-week fundraising trip, I was told about a visionary couple in Los Angeles who were passionate supporters of Israel. I flew there and first met Irving and Cherna Moskowitz.”
From that initial meeting, a bond was forged that would grow stronger over the decades, as both Ketzaleh and the Moskowitzs dedicated themselves to the cause of building and securing the Land of Israel. Together, they worked tirelessly to establish institutions, secure strategic properties, and support the growing Jewish communities in these regions.
The Moskowitzs’ dedication to the Land of Israel is evident in the thriving Jewish communities of Judea, Samaria, and the eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem. Today, the presence of over 800,000 Jews in these areas stands as a testament to the vision and perseverance of Cherna and Irving Moskowitz. Ketzaleh reflects on this achievement with deep admiration: “I can say without hesitation that the presence of over 800,000 Jews today in Judea, Samaria, and the eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem is a testament to this righteous couple, whom God sent to help redeem the land for His people.”
Their impact was not just in the physical establishment of communities but also in the creation of a strong ideological foundation for the Jewish presence in these contested regions. The Arutz Sheva report also said that the Moskowitzs’ unwavering belief in the importance of these areas to the Jewish people and the future of the State of Israel inspired countless others to join in their efforts.
The values and deep love for Israel that defined Cherna and Irving Moskowitz’s lives have been passed down to their children. Cherna, in particular, ensured that the next generation would continue the work she and her husband began. Arutz Sheva reported that a few years before her passing, she entrusted the leadership of the Moskowitz Foundation to her eldest daughter, Laurie Moskowitz Hirsch. Laurie has embraced this responsibility with the same devotion to the People of Israel, the Land of Israel, and its Torah that her parents exemplified.
Under Laurie’s leadership, the Moskowitz Foundation continues to support the communities and institutions that her parents were so passionate about. The Foundation remains a crucial partner in the ongoing efforts to strengthen Jewish presence in Judea, Samaria, and Jerusalem, ensuring that the Moskowitz legacy endures for generations to come.
Cherna Moskowitz, together with her husband Irving, was a driving force behind the Jewish settlement movement in Israel. Their efforts were instrumental in acquiring dozens of properties in the eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem and in supporting the establishment and growth of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria. These actions were not merely symbolic; they played a crucial role in shaping the demographic and cultural landscape of these regions, securing a Jewish presence in areas of profound historical and strategic significance.
Council Head Israel Ganz highlighted the depth of Cherna’s impact, noting that she was not just a believer in great values but also one of the few who had the ability and determination to advance those values on a large scale. “We owe her great gratitude for all the initiatives she supported in the communities of Binyamin,” Ganz stated, as was reported by Arutz Sheva. One of the most recent and significant contributions was her role in the establishment of a medical center in Sha’ar Binyamin. This facility, set to benefit tens of thousands of residents, stands as a testament to Cherna’s dedication to improving the lives of those living in these communities. Her memory, Ganz emphasized, “will always be a living part of the growth of these communities.”
Despite her monumental achievements, those who knew Cherna Moskowitz personally describe her as a woman of simplicity and modesty. Etia Dan, who worked closely with the Moskowitz family for many years, reflected on Cherna’s character, describing her as “a sensitive and special woman” who loved the simple things in life and lived without pretenses, as was confirmed in the Arutz Sheva report. Dan recalled Cherna as a woman who gave without limit, whose generosity was matched only by her humility. “To me, Cherna was a true friend, a dear and beloved soul friend,” Dan wrote, underscoring the deep personal bonds Cherna formed with those around her.
Cherna’s philanthropic reach extended far beyond the settlement movement. She and Irving were known for their support of the weak and the needy, including significant contributions to hospitals and other critical social services. For Cherna, the settlement in eastern Jerusalem was her crowning glory, but her compassion knew no boundaries. Her support touched many lives in ways that were often not visible to the public eye.
One of the lesser-known aspects of Cherna Moskowitz’s philanthropy was her support for the Israel Dog Unit (IDU), a nonprofit organization specializing in search and rescue operations. As was revealed in the Arutz Sheva report, Yekutiel Ben-Yaakov, a friend of the Moskowitz family and the director of the IDU, revealed the profound impact of Cherna’s contributions in this area. “Few know that Cherna also supported the searching, finding, and rescue of many missing people in Israel,” Ben-Yaakov shared. Through her support, countless lives were saved, and families were reunited with their loved ones.
“Hundreds of missing people and their loved ones in Israel join with hundreds of IDU volunteers and tens of thousands of others and send condolences to the Moskowitz family as they salute Cherna Moskowitz on her last journey to the Holy Land that she loved so dearly,” Ben-Yaakov continued. “There are hundreds of missing people who we saved with Cherna’s help, and they literally owe their lives to Cherna Moskowitz.” This often-overlooked aspect of her legacy underscores the breadth and depth of her impact, extending far beyond the boundaries of the settlement movement.
“Cherna Moskowitz was an extraordinary Zionist,” Mort Klein, national president of ZOA, said in a statement on Friday. “Her love of the holy land of all of Eretz Yisroel, given to the Jewish people by God almighty, was surpassed only by her love of her fabulous family.”
Klein said along with her husband, Cherna Moskowitz “committed her life to legally securing all of the Jewish people’s eternal city Jerusalem and Judea-Samaria for the Jewish people, and helping the Jewish people in every way she could.”
JNS.org reported that United Hatzalah released a statement on Friday calling her “one of our greatest friends and supporters.” The emergency services and first-responder organization in Israel “bid farewell to a woman whose compassion and generosity helped save countless lives across Israel.”
Its founder and president, Eli Beer, said the couple enabled the launch of “the Moskowitz Life Compass System, a lifesaving technology that allows our organization to dispatch the closest volunteer medic to each emergency. This groundbreaking technology has enabled United Hatzalah medics to treat over 6.5 million people to date.”
The Binyamin Regional Council issued the following statement: “We deeply mourn the passing of Mrs. Cherna Moskowitz, a true lover of the people and the land. Cherna was a tremendous partner in establishing the Jewish presence in Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem. Many community and social projects were founded thanks to her support and funding. Through the Moskowitz Prize, she further strengthened hityashvut (building of communities) by honoring those dedicated to building and securing our communities.”
Said council head Yisrael Ganz: “Cherna not only believed in great values, but she was also among the few who advanced them on a large scale, making a real impact. We express our deep gratitude for all the initiatives she supported in the communities of Binyamin. Recently, she played a significant role in the medical center that is being established in Sha’ar Binyamin for the benefit of tens of thousands of residents in these communities. Her memory will always be a living part of the growth of these communities.”
Rabbi Duv Fendel, the Rosh Yeshiva of the Max and Ruth Schwartz Sderot Hesder Institutions said of Cherna Moskowitz, of blessed memory, “A true Eishet Chayil, she was, together with her husband Dr. Irving z”l, a builder and visionary who championed a united Jerusalem, the development of Sderot, and was a benefactor for all of Israel. Our hearts and sincere wishes go out to the entire Moskowitz family, and we hope that they will be comforted by Hashem, along with all mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim. Cherna’s z”l achievements, projects, and philanthropy throughout Israel, especially in Jerusalem and Sderot, are her legacy. Her memory and legacy will be everlasting.”
While the Moskowitz family played a pivotal role in shaping the physical and social landscape of Israel, they believe Cherna’s greatest achievement was her legacy as a mother. Arutz Sheva reported that Cherna leaves behind a large and loving family, including eight children, over 40 grandchildren, and more than 100 great-grandchildren. For the Moskowitz family, this legacy of love and dedication to Israel and the Jewish people is their greatest inheritance.
Cherna’s children and grandchildren continue to embody the values she held dear, ensuring that her legacy lives on through their actions and commitments. Her eldest daughter, Laurie Moskowitz Hirsch, now leads the Moskowitz Foundation, carrying forward her parents’ work with the same devotion and passion.
