The people of Israel today conducted a Memorial Service for Myra Kraft in Kraft Stadium.
It was attended by members of theAIF (American Football in Israel)Â football team who are playing well over in European play as well as Natan Sharansky and the Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke at the ceremony. It was he who gave the land to the IAF when he was mayor of Jerusalem where the Krafts built the stadium that now holds their name. Olmert is a very close friend of the Kraft family.
Sharansky worked on many of the civic projects in Jerusalem that was done by Myra Kraft. She was especially into schools, special needs centers, but also into the Orthodox women’s football team! (Flag not tackle–thankfully since some of the wear skirts!).
Dan Kraft and his wife attended and he was very emotional, especially at the end when the two national anthems were sun. The large crowd was also treated to a video greeting from Robert Kraft– who spoke to the crowd in Hebrew.
Thanks to Lela Gilbert for the photos of the event.
An emotional Dan Kraft speaks to the crowd at the Memorial Service for Myra Kraft
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert speaks to the crowd in front of Myra Kraft's portrait
Members of the IAF team greet dignataries including Mayor of Jerusalem Nir Barkat (in blue jacket)
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Steve, great reporting here ! Thanks also for the excellent pics. A well deserved tribute to a woman who will no doubt shine like a star for eternity. It’s a real pity our society has as household names, those who will never shine or do little for the common good, while the many of the true heroes of our day are remembered only in passing. But, great is their reward.
Thanks buddy,
But all of the thanks goes to my good friend Lela Gilbert in Jerusalem. You’ve heard me mention her before, she’s an accomplished author and journalist, originally from the US who lives over there.
She went to the service today, as a favor to me to take pictures and report on the happenings there. As a result, we beat everyone else to the story, even the major newspapers and websites for Boston sports. Thanks Lela!
She’s also friends with a couple, the husband runs IAF the Israeli football league. She introduced me to them, I met his wife a few years ago in Israel.
Look for my piece on the Israeli League of American Football soon, its maybe the best legacy for Bob and Myra Kraft. You’ll have to read the article so I don’t give too much away.
Thanks again buddy,
Steve,
If Ms Gilbert provided the photos; arent you supposed to include her in the byline?
not a journalist and dont know the ‘journalism integrity rules’ (actually think there arent any anymore); but that seems appropriate.
Steve,
oops, forgot – nice article by the way.
I didn’t know they had a stadium named after Krafts. Do you know is it ‘Myra Kraft stadium’ or just Kraft stadium?
Steve, great repor. i wish i could be there (3 hours drive), ppl in israel do appreciate what Mr. Robert Kraft and Myra RIP did for the israeli football and charitable events. just a little mistake there – Ehud Olmert is NOT the prime minister anymore.
Thanks for the comments, re: Gumby, I should have included Lela in the byline that was mistake which I corrected in my earlier comment. She is a good friend and I wouldn’t ever slight her on purpose. In regards to your second question, it’s ‘Kraft Stadium’ named after the family.
Emil, that is correct as well, it should read the former PM. Thanks
Hi Steve,
Just a few corrections. Its former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. The Israeli football organization is the AFI (American Football in Israel) and the IAF is th Israeli Air Force.
Steve Leibowitz
American Football in Israel
Thanks Steve
All in all, you heard it here first! Awesome job, Steve, and many thanks to your very dear and diligent friend, Lela Gilbert.