June Walker, chair of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and former national president of Hadassah, has died aged 74. “Leaders of the United States and Israel held her in high regard and respected the person even more than the positions she held," said Malcolm Hoenlein, the Presidents Conference's executive vice chairman. "They, as we, recognized immediately her integrity, her intelligence and the sincerity of her advocacy. I am personally, as is the conference collectively, devastated by her passing."
Walker took over last year as chairwoman of the American Jewish umbrella group of some 50 Jewish organizations that aims to forge a communal consensus on matters of foreign policy. She was only the second woman to hold the position and the first chairperson to die in office. Before succeeding Harold Tanner at the Presidents Conference, she served four years as the national president of the Women's Zionist Organization of America (Hadassah). A longtime member of the board of Hadassah in the United States, she also served as the organization's treasurer. June Walker is survived by her husband, Barry, her children, David, Ellen and Julie, and her six grandchildren.
Ronald S. Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), said, “June was a talented and tireless leader of the Jewish community. June’s devotion to our people and her deep love of Israel were an inspiration to all who knew her… Her intelligence, compassion and ability to bring people together rendered her a true role model for all who seek to serve our community with pride and dignity.”
Matthew Bronfman, chairman of the WJC Governing Board, also expressed his condolences. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of such a remarkable and respected leader. June Walker’s many years of selfless service in numerous capacities at Hadassah and as chairperson of the Conference of Presidents, set an example for us all. The warmth and friendship she extended to others will be remembered by many,” Bronfman said.
Rabbi Marc Schneier, chairman of the WJC American Section, pointed out: "June Walker was not only the elected leader of the Conference of Presidents, she was a leader within our community and for the cause of Israel and the Jewish people. Her leadership and her humanity will be remembered and sorely missed. Her impact and her legacy serve as a challenge to us all, and we join the entire community in mourning her loss."
