Funeral Service Live Stream in Loving Memory of
Ivan Wolkind
Sunday, May 12, 2024
1:30 PM Pacific Time
B’nai David-Judea Congregation
8906 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Watch a Video Recording
A video recording is available below.
- On mobile devices it is best viewed in landscape orientation
- Tap or click on video to unmute and expand to full screen or to airplay from a mobile device to a SmartTV
- Please consider signing our guest book below to acknowledge your presence in support of the family.
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Dearest Ivan: On behalf of the Education Sector of InfraGard Los Angeles, thanks for all your leadership work in support of our children and youth attending America’s education institutions. May almighty God bless you and your family, and may He grant you eternal rest and peace in His holy heavens.
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I did not know Ivan. I just happen to read of his loss on the Infragard news. I decided to watch the video of the service for him. I was honestly moved by what was said and the loving family he has. I am in Dayton Ohio and while I am a stranger I can tell that I missed meeting a great man. I am blessed to have a least learned of him and his contribution to his community.
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Leah & family,
We are so very saddened about Ivan and your loss. Words cannot express how sorry we are to learn about Ivan’s passing.
May he rest in peace, may you find solace in the love he leaves behind.
Yours truly,
Ilana & Gal Adar
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My thoughts and prayers are with you. I was at Wanstead C of E School for less than a year in 1978 – 79, however Ivan was a great friend and I had such respect for him. He was kind and compassionate – I remember him with fondness and he left a lasting impression on me. Mark Butterworth mentioned a party at Ivan’s house which I couldn’t go to because we went back to Australia – I was so disappointed. I did get to go to his house before that though, and we had an excellent time before he had to go and do his violin practice! We caught up via Messenger and WhatsApp in more recent years and I’m so sad that our planned trip to the USA in 2020 was cancelled due to Covid and we never got to catch up in person. As we were both in law enforcement he was looking forward to showing me what ‘real’ police work was like on an LAPD night shift! It was an honour to watch his funeral. Thank you. My sincerest condolences to you all.
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Dear Wolkind family,
I had the priviledge of studying nonprofit finance with Ivan since March 2023. I regularly looked forward to our meetings as he taught me so much, in the most delightful way. He modeled for me what leadership could be, just in his stories, and the way he spoke. I left every session filled with knew knowledge, and inspired to be be like Ivan for the Jewish community. We bonded over our shared love of nature and skiing, and I’d send him pictures and videos of my kids progression on the slopes, knowing that he genuinely was excited to share in my joy.
Your speeches were all beautiful and heartbreaking. I am so incredibly sorry for your tremendous loss.
Sincerely,
Yosef Gillers (yosef@growtorah.org)
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I met Ivan in 2020 through the Wexner Field Fellowship through which I had the incredible opportunity to have him as a financial tutor. Over the course of 10 one:one sessions, he completely changed my life – from understanding the actual finances and language to helping me create systems to boosting my knowledge and confidence as a leader. He told me that he was specifically passionate about educating Jewish women CEOs in org finances and his goal was to equip me with knowledge and confidence in the finance realm, which would impact everything else in my career. Learning with Ivan was one of the most influential parts of the entire fellowship for me. I regularly use the systems he taught me and the operations at JQY (Jewish Queer Youth) continue to be strengthened because of him. As a result, we can provide resources to thousands of queer Jewish each year. Ivan will forever be in the heart (and spreadsheets) of myself and JQY. May his teaching continue to grow in its impact on the world and may his memory be a blessing.
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As a Wexner Fellow I had the distinct pleasure of learning from Ivan. When I was looking for a class or program to learn more about finances for my role, Ruthie told me I could take a class or I could work one on one with Ivan, who would teach me everything I needed to know AND help me understand my own organization’s finances. I chose Ivan and I am so glad I did. We met for a number of sessions on zoom and I could tell he cared just as much about me as a person and leader as he did about teaching me finance. He was a patient and kind teacher and I use the knowledge he taught me in my work every day. I wish I had the chance to meet Ivan in person. I hope Ivan’s family and dear friends know how much of an impact he made on Jewish leaders throughout the country. May his memory be a eternal blessing, I am thinking of you all during this difficult time.
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In my role at The Wexner Foundation, I had the opportunity to connect Ivan to other Jewish professionals to tutor them in nonprofit finance. I had been looking for someone to do this for so long and when I finally got connected to him, I immediately knew he was exactly who we were looking for! He felt strongly that Jewish professionals should “know their stuff” when it comes to finance (and I agree). All of the fellows who worked with him RAVED about the influence he had on them – helping them understand complex ideas, giving them confidence to speak to their Board treasurers or CFOs, and in some cases, helping them make changes to their personal finances as well. We were all heartbroken to learn the news of Ivan’s death; he and I only spoke by phone or Zoom maybe two times and by email many more. You know someone is special when you feel their loss even when you never met them/barely knew them. I’m thinking of your entire family and holding you in my heart.
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I was at a loss and so sadden by Ivan’s passing. I met Ivan in 2015 as I was a Sergeant for LAPD at Wilshire Division. I met Ivan as he came out on his work night. That evening I knew I had met a friend for life. We shared stories, we shared the love of our families, we wore that family pride like the shield on our chest. As a subject matter expert in Emergency Preparedness, I often worked with Ivan on and off-duty to support the Jewish community. His heart was pure and only knew how to serve. Every few months we would text and just check in on each other as we were looking at finishing the race and retiring with family. Well my brother, I did it, I retired and enjoying my family. We were supposed have lunch three weeks ago but it work out. I will never forget you, you are a true brother in blue. God bless you, Leah and the kids.
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I went to primary school with Ivan. There was something special about Ivan, powerful yet so caring, unique. The last time I saw him was when he had a party at his house in Wanstead, we must have been eleven. I had never been to his house before, I was slightly apprehensive. I needn’t have been. The warmth and good feeling that abounded that afternoon left me feeling sad when I left, knowing that some of us would then be going on to different high schools and alas I was never to see Ivan again. If Rosie, Lenny or Nettie want to get in touch to find out more about Ivan from his old classmates, you should not hesitate to get in touch. A few years ago a Whatsapp school class group was created an Ivan was part of that group, in fact he still IS part of our group.
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“I like that.” In all the conversations we had, of all the words he said, “I like that” will always stay in our minds and hearts when we think of Ivan. He said those words sparingly and thoughtfully. Each time he did so, we felt what he felt and saw what he saw. We will hear those words again; but never with that tone, with those eyes, with that accent. This is just a small aspect of the impression he made on us, the connection we shared, and the memories we created; for all that and more, we are grateful.
Our love goes to Leah, Rosie, Lennie, and Nettie.
Nir and Cherie Regev
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Ivan was a wonderful neighbor, colleague, and examplar. sending love to his family and community. He was a mentsch and a wonderful human. He is missed, and his memory is a blessing.
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I had the pleasure of learning from Ivan. He taught me about organizational finance,. He loved questions, was kind, chatty, and so insightful. He could unwind my questions into what this meant in spreadsheet form. I felt like he was such a wonderful resource in my corner – both for his deep knowledge but also for his kindness and curiosity. I will miss learning and connecting with him. I’m so grateful for all that he taught me.
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We remember Ivan as one of the coolest kindest people, always smiling, our hearth is with you.
Always in smajot.
Lety, Yael, Aaron, Taly.
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RIP my brother 🙏
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Ivan brought everyone to smiles before, during and after every swim workout he attended at LMU masters pool.
So many fun memories for me and fellow swimmers. I am grateful to have met such an amazing man “on deck”.
Peace be with you and yours.
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Leah, Rosie, Lenny and Nettie, our hearts break for your tremendous loss. You each spoke so beautifully and movingly. Sending love and strength from afar.
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Dear Leah,
As a colleague of Ivan’s at JFEDLA for nine years, I can only tell you that nothing ever lit up Ivan’s face like the thoughts of you and your family. I always knew that when things were heavy or tough, I could change the tone of things around by asking him how you, and your family were doing. We worked together very closely together for years to find the necessary funding for CSI. He was the consummate professional, an amazingly dedicated community member, but always a devoted family man first.
My heart is with you. May his memory be a blessing.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Betsy Berger
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Leah– i’m heartbroken by this unfathomably sad news, and also by the incredible tributes to Ivan here. He was a profoundly beautiful person, and you two were worthy of eachother. Sending love and my deepest, sincerest condolences. ~v~
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Ivan my Dear Friend from Wanstead C of E school. You scooped me up and carried me to the medical room when I collapsed in the playground. You took the rap when I blamed you for something I did wrong, we fell out and the next day you brought me a roll on paper tv that you made out of a cat food box to make up even though I was in the wrong. When I had misbehaved at school I was punished with writing out one hundred times ” I must not be naughty ” and you invited me over and we wrote the lines together. We were charged with bringing in the overhead projector and the half pint of milk. We crossed wee streams in the loo’s, cross fire you called it. we threw wet tissue at the ceiling in the loo’s and bunged the plugholes up in the basins with loo roll and left the taps running. You encouraged me to take violin lessons with you, which I was hopeless at. You shielded me from the school bully. My Mum nicknamed you Ivan The Terrible after my 11th birthday party when you bursting balloons on the electric heater in the bathroom. I will never forget the night we spent at yours with Paul before we went to London zoo piled in the trunk of your Mum’s Vauxhall Viva estate. How many times that night we played ” You’re The Devil in Disguise ” on my little red n white battery record player I don’t know. Sneaking around the house until the early hours looking for ghosts.
You introduced me to Liver sausage sandwiches and the Tupperware lunch box with the sliding divider.
I remember us throwing that huge dice around on stage at Redbridge Drama centre, I think your roll was The Devil in the play.
We lost touch when we went to different High Schools but found each other online a few years ago and you told me that you had taken your children to see where I lived in Spratt Hall Road which really meant something to me that you would do that.
I will always remember you as a big guy with a big heart, so tragic that it was this heart that took you too soon.
I am so glad that you went on to live your life the way you did and touch the Hearts of so many people.
Rest in peace my friend, never will forget you, David.
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Dearest Leah and family, I am so sorry to hear this terribly sad news. Remembering your sweetness and light from decades ago in our trip around the world, and holding you and your family in my heart.
love,
Maria Agui Carter
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Leah, I am so deeply saddened by your loss. I am sending you love and caring and sending Ivan peace for his journey.
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Leah, I am so sorry for your loss. With love and deep condolences, Sarah
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הַמָּקוֹם יְנַחֵם אֶתְכֶם בְּתוֹך שְׁאַר אֲבֵלֵי צִיּוֹן וִירוּשָלַיִם
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Ivan was such a lovely being . I recently saw him while I was in the states and we shared a meal after meeting again after 45 years or so . We were at primary school together ., God rest his Soul .
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So sorry for the loss of Ivan. He is going to be missed.l. May his Neshama have an Aliya. Baruch Dyan Emet.
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Ivan: was a tireless leader of great vision and an even better person and friend: his contributions to our lives (and community) will live on in every person he met.
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After listening to all those heartwarming tributes, there is no doubt that Ivan a”h will be greatly missed by LA, Houston & the world community. It seems like Hakadosh Baruch Hu needed by his side another generous, heartwarming, giving, loving benefactor , to be above. May he be a Meilitz Yoahor for his special family & all the communities & boards he served on with much dedication & passion.
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What an incredible man and monumental loss. May his memory be a blessing.
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The Houston community is heart broken by your loss. Those of us at UOS only got to spend a short time with Leah and Ivan but their warmth, dedication and thoughtfulness was obvious to all of us who had an opportunity to meet and speak with them. You felt like good friends so quickly. My wife Tammy and I felt a special bond with you through our daughters who studied together at Migdol Oz and the daugters who are graduating from high school this year. Leah, we hope that our paths can cross again in happier times. Baruch Dayan Emet.
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Thank you for the lovely gift of the remote viewing of the ceremony. Ivan was a gift to us all taken far too soon. His lovely family and friends will have many fond memories to cherish and honor him in our memories in perpetuity.
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Leah, Rosie, Lenny, and Nettie— my heart goes out to you all. Ivan was such a dear friend and colleague, and I know an amazing father and husband. Your tributes were so touching, so devastating, and so beautiful. I met Ivan working for InfraGard, and was delighted when I learned your connection to Whitefish. I hope maybe I’ll see you up there this summer! Just last week, he shared the excited news of his new job in Houston and how excited he was for this new chapter, for all of you. I grieve for you and with you and send my love and total admiration of your father and husband, Ivan. 💔
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So grateful to you for sharing this wonderful time with us all far and near, love, ruthi in england
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Such sad and devastating news,
Sending my love, strength and all of my support.
I love you guys so much, wish I could visit sooner.
ברוך דיין האמת
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I am so sorry for your loss and pain you are experiencing of missing Ivan. I am so thankful for the many years you have had of the blessing of his life and the memories you’ve shared with us are such a treasure.
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My darlings, we’ve never met, but my heart goes out to you all. I think it is safe to say that Ivan was my brother Bill’s best friend. I loved Ivan from a very small girl, he always said I was like a little sister!
Such a massive shock and taken too soon.
A wonderful man, such a gentle giant,a gentle, beautiful soul xxxxxx
I send you so much love and know my family all feel the same and loved Ivan like he was our own family.
Sending so so much love xxxxx
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Can’t imagine a world where you, Ivan, aren’t.
My love and prayers are with you Leah and Rosie, Lenny and nettie.
Holding each and every moment at your table with love and gratitude.
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So sorry to hear of Ivan’s passing.
One of my earliest best friends at school in London. Fondly remember him in his house in Wanstead with his two Irish Wolfhounds and spooky cellar in which we pretended to be a rock band.
Gone far too soon. RIP old mate.
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Sending love and wishes for comfort to all of Ivan’s family, to his many dear friends and colleagues, and to the entire community upon which he had such an enormous impact.
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Ivan and Noam made swimming at 5:30 am at LMU an absolute joy! Ivan I always thought we’d swim together as a team again after COVID separated all of us. I am so saddened to hear of your passing. Such a tremendous, heart-breaking loss. You are a dear soul, a true man who loved and adored his family and friends. Rest in peace my friend. Dear Leah and family, you have my deepest condolences. Love mef
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So kind, so tall. His warmth and protective soul will be missed. Strength to his family.
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Ivan was a walking kiddush hashem – a wonderful advertisement for the Jewish people. We are truly saddened by his sudden and untimely death and will deeply miss him. Our deepest condolences to Leah, the kids and the whole family. May you enjoy the many wonderful memories of you time with him.
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In The little time that we spent together – meeting “by chance” – I could tell what a special couple you were. Our UOS community would have benefited so from your presence. I am so sorry you have to experience such a tragedy at this time. Your husband A”H accomplished a tremendous amount of good in his life. Not everyone can say that.
May his wonderful memories bring you much Nechama during this difficult period. המקום ינחם אתכם.
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I am a far better person having known Ivan. Such a tremendous loss and I will miss him. Thoughts and prayers to Leah and the family.
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We miss you,, Ivan.
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Ivan was overflowing warmth, kindness, and joy. His optimism for all of us as young couples in Palo Alto set the tone for years to come. May his memory be for a blessing.
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Leah and the Wolkind family, , Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
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My lovely special friend, my best mate, my best man, my accomplice, my confidante – me ol’ mucker…. !
So happy that we shared all those fun times, and all the tough times,….. we were lucky to have had each other….. I was lucky to have been there with you.
Love you always.
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I have some wonderful memories from our shared schooldays together in the UK.. Can’t believe Ivan is not with us but those memories will stay with me forever. Thanks mate..
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We have been flooded with amazing memories with Leah and Ivan and the kids. Losing Ivan is such a tragic loss and we are heartbroken for his family, friends, and community. We are sending our love and hugs. May his memory be a blessing. BDE
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I am so sad to hear about Ivan. What a loving, devoted and incredible person. Sending lots of love.
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My dear friend thank you…………
How can anyone ever forget their best friend at school!
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“We have a quorum, Mr. Chairman”
“Thank you, Madam Secretary”
Ivan, You were a good friend, leader, and protector of our country. I already miss you.
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From the moment we met Ivan we knew he was such a special person. Full of life and vigor. A person who clearly had deep care and compassion for those around him. As demonstrated by those in his family and community, he will be profoundly missed.
Our love and support go out to Leah and the Wolkind family.
From the UOS Houston Community
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On behalf of Arthur and I, please accept our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
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Heartbreaking news, sending love to you, Leah, and to your children. To Ian and Debbie and the kids. To your mom and Ivan’s parents. May you find comfort in one another, in your community, in Ivan’s love and outstanding character. May his memory bless you all the days of your lives.
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Ivan was a walking kiddush-hashem, a wonderful advertisement for everything that is good about the Jewish people. We will all truly miss him. Wishing the whole family our condolences – we know you have so many great memories of your time together.
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Ivan was the first person I met on our fist day of school in 1979. He was an easy person to make friends with and my thoughts go out to his family and all who were lucky enough to have known him. May his memory be a blessing.
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I was a school friend of Ivan since the age of 11 here in London. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. Ivan was the gentle giant in our class – funny, hospitabile, and by far the fittest of us all, which is why the news came as such a shock. We used to practice our dreadful band Taisez Vous in his basement, fuelled by peanut butter on toast. His parents always made me feel like one of the family; we were even allowed to drink wine after the meal! His loss will touch many, many lives. We are getting together as a class soon for a beer as is still our custom – and the next time we meet we shall raise a glass to one of our own – the Class of S will not forget him.
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Oh what a great loss. May Ivan’s neshama soar. Our love to leah and the kids. Heartbroken for all of you
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Truly saddened and in shock at the loss of our friend. Sending love and friendship now and forever to Leah and the kids. BDE. May they be comforted amongst all the mourners of Zion and Yerushalyim.
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My heart and mind cannot conceive of this moment.
My heart and prayers are with you.
My love is with you.
Holding you close in yerushalayim.
Holding memories of so many amazing moments around your table together.
Love you and love you.
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We are heartbroken. Ivan was so full of love and life. Always up for the next adventure. We were family to each other when our families were far away. There are no words. We will miss him.
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My heart goes out to Leah and children and all the Lesch’s. May his memory be a blessing. I am so sorry for your loss.
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Such sad news, of the passing of my old school mate and swim buddy. Thinking of you all, from London xx
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Leah
I so sorry for the loss of your amazing partner, the love of your life, an amazing father and a community leader.
Staystrong and I end you my condolences
Dalia Ratner
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Sending strength to Leah and the whole family from Houston. May his memory always be a blessing.
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How tragic that Ivan’s life was cut so short. Bella- you always spoke of him with so much love and admiration. I wish I had had the privilege of meeting him. I am here for you and am sending my heartfelt condolences to you, Leah and your entire family.
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Such sad news and you will be truly missed by your old classmates. So glad we got to see you back in the UK from time to time. The lunch we had in Santa Monica a few years back was great, and feels even more special now.
Rest in Peace old friend.
Nick
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It is hard and devastating to imagine, a world without Ivan in it. Such a force and such a force for good. I learned so much from working with him closely for so long – even, actually especially, when we disagreed. I so looked forward to decades more of friendship. I am heartbroken to be in Jerusalem and unable to make the funeral and grateful to be able to join on video.. Leah, I am sending you all the love in my heart.
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Sending love and healing energy from Whitefish. We will be watching and our hearts are with you. Love you all so very much.
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We are so saddened by Ivan’s sudden passing. Wishing Leah and the rest of the family our deepest condolences. המקום ינחם אתכם.
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We along with everyone in our UOS community are heartbroken by the sudden passing Ivan Wolkind. We were hoping to have him as our neighbor on Cliffwood Street here in Houston. We mourn of what could have been.
More importantly we offer our sincerest sympathy to Leah and all of the Wolkind family. May the be comforted amongst all the mourners of Zion and Yerushalim. Branch Dayan Ha’Emet.
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We morn a remarkable soul who graced our lives with his love, courage, and unwavering dedication to his family and community.
Ivan’s commitment to safeguarding Jewish communities and organizations reflected his profound sense of duty and compassion. In the face of rising antisemitism, Ivan stood firm on the front lines, a guarding angle defending all of us.
Ivan’s presence will be deeply missed, but his leadership will continue to inspire us to stand tall against adversity and uphold the values and remember the history of our people.
Dear Ivan, may your neshama experience a speedy Aliyah. Your guiding light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
Baruch Dayan HaEmet – Bang Family
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Sending my most heartfelt condolences. Hoping you will find comfort with family and friends and your memories of a life well-lived. May his memory be for a blessing. With love and comfort, Susie Evans + family
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We are so heartbroken for all of you. Sending you love and strength. His memory is truly a blessing.
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The Jewish community and the world has lost a great person. So many have lost a great friend. And the wolkind family has lost an incredible dad and husband.
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I am saddened by the news of Ivan’s untimely death..
My condolences to all the family..
Bella we are here for you..
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Too much left to do. May you know no more sadness, and may you be comforted by family and friends at this difficult moment. love, jimmy and aviva
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Ivan’s kindness could be felt as soon as he entered the room. He leaves a legacy of warmth and compassion. May his memory be a blessing and his spirit know peace.
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Ivan’s untimely death is So very sad and tragic.! A meaningful productive life filled with love , Tilun Olam and so much more was felled way too soon .
his legacy and loving memory however shall live on with his family friends and community
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Lori and I are heartbroken to hear this news. We send our most heart felt condolences to you all during this time of morning. May he RIP and may god bless him and all of you, giving your faith a path to comfort you all during this time of pain and suffering. .Bella, all is good in your NYC home and your friends are here for you and your family if needed! ❤️🙏❤️
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Truly devastated to hear this news. Ivan has been a close family friend for over 25 years. His dedication to his children, his wife, his family and community were unsurpassed and served as an example for all of us. He was taken from us too soon. May his memory serve as a blessing for Leah and the kids and the whole community.
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Deeply saddened by the untimely and tragic loss of Ivan. Like the 1.5 million children and the millions of others who perished in the Holocaust, we will never know the impact that Ivan have on Holocaust Museum Houston and our Community. With that said we believe our decision to have him lead our Museum from strength to strength was a devine one. We mourn his passing most importantly in the name of his family, but also for our Community who looked so forward to welcoming him and Leah.
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I have known Ivan and his family for many years since their children were very young. Ivan was a devoted husband and father and a great friend! He was a caring, kind and loving human being who did so much to make this world a better place. He was taken from us much too soon. He is now at peace but he will forever remain in our hearts!