Barbara Israel passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026. In one of her last emails to me, she wrote:

Fri, 12/19/2025 4:46pm

Vic,

I wanted to reach out and thank you for your always informative and heartening newsletters. I so appreciate the effort you go through to pull together such meaningful stories and remembrances. I do have a question regarding the availability of the upcoming film by Karen Shapiro of South Africans in Public Health. As someone who had the good fortune to know and work with many of the individuals involved I am very excited to see the documentary.

Thanks again for sharing your powerful words. I hope this finds you well.

Wishing you a restorative and enjoyable holiday season.

Warmly,
Barbara (Israel)

Thank you Barbara! You will live on in our hearts!