My friendship with Ros dates back to Habonim days in Zimbabwe, then Rhodesia. Ros Gaffen, with her mop of shiny, black, curly hair, and bright hazel eyes, was notable for her exuberance, her vivacity, her popularity, her warmth, and her infectious laugh. She excelled in everything she did, including the academic sphere. She played the piano, enjoyed drama, was a ballet dancer, and a star sportswoman. My memory is of a vibrant, multi-talented teenager who appeared to sail through life with ease, meeting every challenge head-on and winning them all.

After matriculating at a young age, Ros went on to study for a BA degree at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. While at university, Ros met Len Israelstam, and in December 1958, they were married in Bulawayo.

Ros was strongly Zionistic and was convinced that their future should be in Israel. The family, with their three children, made aliyah in 1977. With Ros’s brother and family already in Israel, they were soon joined by Ros’s sister and family, Len’s sister and family, as well as Ros’s and Len’s parents.

Len’s work in developing an international network of software companies necessitated much travelling and very long hours of work. With Len often away, Ros became the pivot and base for their closely-knit and extended family, including their eight grandchildren - a role which she filled in an exemplary fashion over all the years. Len is quite sure that Ros’s unwavering support, love, and sensible judgment were the “partner” in his business that made it all work.

In addition, with her love of sport, and particularly the game of squash at that time, Ros became the first accredited squash coach in Israel, representing Israel in the Maccabi Games. In her days at university, Ros represented the university in tennis, hockey, and squash.

She was also very active in the early years of the establishment of Beth Protea in Herzliya.

Ros’s quick intelligence and incisive mind enabled her to assess people and situations intuitively and accurately, and she was practical and decisive. She was energetic and accomplished. She played a strong game of bridge; she enjoyed painting; she dressed with an artistic flair; she enjoyed hiking and participated, with Len and others, in a group walk of the Israel Trail. She retained her zest for life, sense of humor, and exuberance and was seen doing cartwheels on the bowling green when a game went well!  She was a great hostess, and her culinary skills and hospitality with family and their wide circle of friends were legend. 

Amongst her most remarkable attributes were her authenticity and her generosity. She was straight and honest, with never a sign of pretence or pretension. Ros was blessed materially, and had a great capacity for giving. She gave carefully chosen gifts for each and every occasion, always wanting to share with the less fortunate, which she did in many ways. She was very modest, almost to a fault. She was loved and admired by all. Her strength and courage were particularly evident when tragedy struck and Ros and Len lost their precious daughter, Debby, to cancer, six years ago.

Sadly, Ros’s health failed in the past year, and she faced complications bravely, with her innate fortitude and forthrightness. However, the challenge proved too great even for her indomitable spirit.

As has been so simply and beautifully inscribed on her tombstone by her family:

 “An Everlasting Inspiration”.

Her passing leaves us all bereft.