Mordi Arazi passed away on March 28 after health complications related to COVID-19, after a lifetime of leadership dedicated to the Milan Jewish community.

He arrived in Italy in the early 1960s as a young man from Beirut, Lebanon. Arazi worked diligently at any opportunity that came his way, rising to become an entrepreneur and opening a successful leather business that collaborated with major fashion brands.

Firmly entrenched in the community, Arazi served in a number of important positions, including as parnas (president) of the Yoseph Tehillot Temple congregation and as a former city councilor of CEM. He was a generous contributor to many Jewish causes.

Israel’s representative to Italy Ambassador Dror Eydar joined Milan’s Chief Rabbi Alfonso Arbib, Secretary General Alfonso Sassun and community president Milo Hasbani in paying tribute to Arazi.

A posting of his loss drew numerous condolences from across the business and religious spectrum.

He is survived by his wife, Edith, as well as a son and two daughters.

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