The World Jewish Congress mourns the passing of Stephen Shalom, an American Sephardic Jewish community leader who served for many years in key roles at major Jewish organizations, working closely with the WJC in his capacities as leader in the World Sephardi Federation and American Sephardi Federation. Born in Brooklyn, New York to immigrant parents from Aleppo, Syria, he championed the cause of freedom for Syrian Jewry and promoted positive, peace-loving images of Jews of Middle Eastern and Sephardic origin.
An enthusiastic Jewish community activist, Shalom was a salient Sephardic presence in many diverse Jewish agencies, including the UJA, the JDC, and Israel Bonds. A deeply committed Zionist and lover of Israel, Shalom befriended many powerful Israeli leaders, among them President Shimon Peres and Chief Sephardic Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, in his efforts to encourage dialogue and bridge-building amongst the various sectors of Israeli society. His dedication and commitment to Israel and the Jewish people constituted a strong and proud voice that will be deeply missed in our community.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Shalom family. May his memory be a blessing.
