Farewell to Betty Luzon: A Life in Service to Israel

“For more than forty years, Betty devoted her life to the State of Israel, working with passion, dedication, and endless energy. Even after her retirement four years ago, her example lived on in the halls of the Embassy and in the memory of those who knew her.” The Embassy of Israel in Italy announced the passing of Betty Luzon, 70, on January 29 with these words. She was one of the pillars of the diplomatic bureau and was deeply involved in the Jewish community. “Betty was a proactive person, always present and ready to help,” reads a note by the Embassy. “She was able to deal with any challenge with determination and a smile.”

Betty Luzon witnessed the expulsion of Jews from Libya. Throughout her career, she worked with eleven ambassadors and 15 chiefs of mission. “I was told to write a book, but it would be impossible. I should write an encyclopedia,” she told Claudia De Benedetti in 2022 during an interview for De Benedetti’s Pagine Ebraiche column dedicated to women. As she neared retirement, she looked back on her career. “I poured my heart and soul into my job. I have held various positions. In all of them, I learned and shared my knowledge and skills.” She was buried in the Prima Porta Cemetery in Rome. May her memory be a blessing.