Michele Sciama passed away on March 16 after contracting COVID-19 in his adopted city of Milan, Italy, to which he had given so much to.

A native of Cairo, Egypt, he had a stint living in London while studying engineering before he made his home in Milan. At the age of 52, he was appointed secretary general of the Jewish community, a position Sciama filled with distinction from 1993 to 2007.

The current president of the community, Milo Hasbanim, paid tribute to Sciama shortly after his passing: “I worked with Micky for several years. He was a wonderful person with whom I built a special friendship and relationship. On behalf of myself and the whole community, I want to express our condolences and affection for the family.”

Susanna Sciaky, national president of ADEI-WIZO Associazione Donne Ebree d’Italia, also paid tribute, recalling Sciama as a “friend of all, always smiling, cheerful and helpful person.”

He leaves behind a wife and two children.

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