It is with great sorrow that we must announce the untimely death of our dearest friend, colleague and high school co-ordinator, Iana Kendler, who passed away on Monday evening after so bravely fighting her illness.

REMEMBERING IANA KENDLER

Iana, dearest friend and colleague, passed away last week as the Fast of Gedalia ended, having battled so very bravely against her cruel and merciless illness. She had just reached the age of 50.

Iana made aliya in 1981 from Romania together with her husband and two little children. She had gained her M.A., studying both English and German, at the University of Bucharest and her teaching career in Israel started in Beit Shemesh. Soon after, she joined the staff at the 'Makif Gilo' school in the southern part of Jerusalem where she was the English Co-ordinator in the High School and, in addition, a regular participant in numerous in-service courses.

Her latest position was that of team leader in the NBA courses in Jerusalem, together with Marion Ben Amir and Ahuva Weiss, whereby she was destined to teach the Jerusalem high school teachers all about the 'new' Bagrut ( Matriculation Exam).

Iana was much, much more than a co-ordinator and team leader. Those who knew her found a warm, intelligent, inspiring and above all, modest human being, and were, in fact, bettered by knowing her. Iana was unique. She had a quiet and lovely air about her - almost an aura. And it was surely that continual optimistic, yet logical and sensible manner of hers, together with her wonderful dry sense of humour, that kept her fighting on during her darkest of days.

All of us remember Iana with a special sparkle in her lovely blue eyes. It is that sparkle which we know will continue to shine within the hearts of all that had the pleasure and honour of knowing her.

Iana is survived by her parents, husband (her childhood sweetheart), four wonderful, talented children of whom she was so proud, and her younger sister, Bianca, also an English teacher.

Iana was the pivot of her delightful family which grew up in an atmosphere of loving care, surrounded by music, books, a love of nature and of humanity. She will never, ever, be forgotten. She will be remembered lovingly and we will endeavour to take heed of her guiding words.

Written by Pamela Halperin

Dear Etni subscribers,

My heart aches for Iana's family and her devoted colleagues. We are all shocked. Iana was, is and will continue to be an inspiration to all, both in her teaching and in her personal struggle with illness. May her memory always be for a blessing.

With love,

Maggie Goodman

We were so sure Iana would win this battle!! She was such an optimist, so we were optimistic too. She touched us -colleagues and students alike- with her warmth, her friendly nature and the special light in her sparkling eyes. She was a real professional, intelligent, open to innovative ideas, creating her own and sharing all she had with others. I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to her family. May you never know sorrow again.

Ahuva Weiss

Iana was my NBA instructor. That's when I met her for the first time, and it was only at the sessions that I ever saw her. When the course started most of us had no idea that she was sick. After a few sessions she showed up in a hat and then a wig; then Marion and Ahuva subbed for her. Iana was always kind and so hard working. I'm sorry she lost the battle.

Batya

We extend our deepest sympathy to Iana's family - her husband, children, parents and to her sister Bianca, our dearest colleague and friend. Bianca, our thoughts are with you in this time of loss and grief.

The English teachers at Sieff and Marks School, Jerusalem

Yana Chendler and The Middle East Children's Association

Being the facilitator of a bi-national group of Israeli and Palestinian teachers of English, I had the privilege of meeting Yana about a year and a half ago. Yana had a vision about resolving the conflict with the Palestinians, and paving the way for a better future for our children. That was why she joined the Middle East Children's Association whose aim is to promote peace through education. With our Palestinian counterparts we prepare teaching materials and lesson plans with a message of tolerance.

Yana had so many ideas. She seemed so enthusiastic and eager to do whatever she could in order to make a difference and bring change. She told us in great detail about her son's experiences as a musician with most enriching encounters and joint concerts with Palestinian musicians. Whenever I called her, she sounded optimistic and never complained. She hoped, as all of us did, that she would soon feel stronger and would participate in all our activities. In winter, she did come to a meeting and told us about a trip to Mount Hermon which was covered with snow. She enjoyed that trip so much. Her eyes were bright and happy when she spoke about it. We will all miss Yana, but she will always remain in our thoughts.

Written by Ora Shnabel Facilitator of the English group of teachers Middle East Children's Association