JERUSALEM – Farewell to David Patsi, a bridge between Italy and Israel

David Patsi, an esteemed figure in the Italian and international Jewish world, passed away on January 25, in Jerusalem. Well known in European Jewish circles as a cultural attaché for the Jewish Agency, he later served as president of Hevrat Yehude Italia, an organization representing Italian-Israeli citizens, and of the Dante Alighieri society in Jerusalem.
Born in Rome before the Shoah, Patsi studied in Milan and Turin before emigrating to Israel in 1959. There, he pursued studies in General History and General and Italian literature at the Hebrew University. For his contributions to strengthening cultural ties between Italian Republic and the State Israel, he was honored with the title of Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy (formerly Star of Italian Solidarity) and later promoted Commander of the same order. A man of profound culture and exceptional public relations skills, Patsi served for decades as a key link between Italy and Israel, fostering dialogue and cultural exchange.