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Dec. 17, 2018
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev mourns the passing of Rona Ramon. Rona was scheduled to receive an honorary doctorate from the University on December 30; sadly, she did not live long enough to attend the ceremony.

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev President Prof. Rivka Carmi: “Rona was a unique, inspiring woman whose warmth and deep inner strength allowed her to overcome her personal grief in order to promote Israel's involvement in space exploration. After losing her husband, astronaut Ilan Ramon, and her son, IDF fighter pilot Assaf Ramon, Rona capitalized on her own prodigious talents and energies for the betterment of Israeli society. She created the Ramon Foundation, dedicated to nurturing excellence, social leadership and values among the next generation and expanding the horizons of hundreds of thousands of children every year. ​

“Rona's passion for science, for space exploration, for children and for Israel will live on, and will continue to inspire and challenge us well into the future. Deepest condolences to Tal,Yiftah and Noa. May Rona's memory be a blessing," Prof. Carmi said.​

Rona Ramon | photo: Tammy Bar Shay for CHICBOX EVERYDAY PHOTOGRAPHY​ 
 Rona Ramon | photo: Tammy Bar Shay for CHICBOX EVERYDAY PHOTOGRAPHY​
 


Following is the text of Rona R​amon's honorary doctorate scroll


With deep appreciation for an outstanding public activist, whose commitment to fostering youth and promoting Israel's involvement in space exploration has left an indelible mark on the nation's research, industry and education; in acknowledgement of a courageous and inspiring woman, who despite profound personal grief found the strength to harness her prodigious talents and energies in service of the greater good, in the name of her loved ones Ilan and Assaf Ramon; in homage to the founder of the "Ramon Foundation," dedicated to nurturing excellence, social leadership and values among the next generation and expanding the horizons of hundreds of thousands of children every year, including those at the Ramon Center at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; with gratitude to a co-creator of Israel's space week, for her passionate and fruitful dedic​ation to the establishment of space and science centers, providing scholarships and assistance to scientific, educational and social initiatives across the country; and in tribute to a singular spokesperson for the State of Israel across myriad global stages, for her unique contribution to social cohesion through uncompromising personal devotion, and her wholehearted commitment to the greater good and prosperity of the State of Israel for the benefit of all its citizens.​

Media Coverage
The Independent
The Times of Israel
Jerusalem Post​