The son of the late Ilan Verona Ramon, spoke at the IAC conference about the difficulties of bereavement, and the commitment to his mother's way • "Father, mother and Asaf dedicated their lives to Israel and the Jewish people"

• Yiftach Ramon speaking at the IAC conference

Yiftach Ramon, the son of the late Ilan Verona Ramon at a first public appearance, opened the IAC Florida Conference tonight (Friday, December 6, 1999) in front of 3,500 Jews in the United States, declaring that he would continue his parents' educational activities for the children of Israel.

No eye was left dry when Yiftach Ramon first spoke openly about the difficulties of bereavement, his father, his brother and his mother, and his family's commitment to continue his mother's path. "When I was 9 years old, I lost my father. When I was 16, I lost my older brother. Last year my mother, Rona Ramon, passed away from cancer. Call me Yiftah Ramon and I am here to tell you that my family and I insist that the name 'Ramon' will not become a symbol of tragedy or bereavement. Anyone can take pain, grief or bereavement and turn it into action, to create a better future. My parents have raised me to understand that in order to find meaning in life, one has to find a purpose, and believe in what one does. I believe that education and giving is the best way to start a good society. More".

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Yiftach Ramon continued: "We refuse our family name to become synonymous with tragedy. Anyone can turn a tragedy into something that creates a better future," Ramon continued. "My brother and I continue to take the sadness and bereavement and turn them into actions that create a better future. Father, mother, and Assaf have dedicated their lives to Israel and the Jewish people. It is my duty and right to pursue their mission - it is our mission now."

Yiftach concluded his speech, saying that the mission of becoming a social activist for the children of Israel is the task of everyone, citizens of Israel and communities in the Diaspora - and this is also the will of his family.

United States Vice President Mike Pence Speaks at IAC Conference last year // Photo: Elliot La-Mer

The IAC (ISRAELI AMERICAN COUNCIL) works to connect, strengthen, and support the State of Israel in over 80 communities and 100 campuses across the United States. This year, the conference is being held in Hollywood, South Florida, under the banner of "Israel Together" and is sending a message of unity unity - supporting a strong relationship between the State of Israel and the Jewish people, crossing political views.

The Adelson family owns the company that holds "Israel Today" shares and is a major contributor to the IAC. Dr. Miriam Adelson is publisher of "Israel Today"