Prince Asiel Ben Israel
April 30, 1941 to August 21, 2022
The Israelite community mourns the passing of Prince Asiel Ben Israel. He was a pivotal figure in the African American community of Chicago and was one of the founders of the Israelite community in Dimona, Israel. His life was often flamboyant and controversial; however, he left behind a long legacy of trying to improve the lives of Black people in America, Israel, and Africa.
Condolences flowed in from all over the world—including from Israel, where Prince Asiel Ben Israel was buried. His funeral was attended by my dignitaries including: Chicago Mayor, Lori Lightfoot, Congressman Danny Davis, Congressmen Bobby Rush, and Minister Louis Farrakhan. Chief Rabbi Capers Smhuel Funnye delivered a eulogy on behalf of the International Israelite Board of Rabbis in which he affirmed our love and respect for all people. He spoke about the many occasions over the years when Prince Asiel visited his synagogue and they talked about their shared commitment to teach Torah to people of African descent.
May the soul of Prince Asiel Ben Israel find rest and peace under the Tree of Eternal Life and may his memory be for a blessing.
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