Pnina Kotzer, 40, OBM

By COLlive reporter

Mrs. Pnina Kotzer, a Chabad Shlucha in the southern Israeli port and resort town of Eilat and an inspiration to many colleagues and friends, passed away on Tuesday, 26 Teves 5777.

Women around Israel have been following her heroic battle with cancer over the past 4 years. She has openly spoken about the challenges, as well as the blessings she has received from Hashem.

Shluchos from across the world joined her in prayer when she was invited to the stage at the International Kinus Hashluchos convention in New York to recite a chapter of Tehillim.

Recently, while speaking to a large group of women in Israel, Mrs. Kotzer shared that although the tumor has been removed, “a week and a half ago, I was at the doctor and didn’t get good news…”

In a candid and reflective tone, she added: “I have the merit that I have daughters as sweet as honey that are overcoming this time in a special way. For them, (the hardship) is all worth it. And I have a husband that is supportive and is at my side.”

This past week, in the midst of the Shluchim convention in Jerusalem, the tragic news was received about her passing, leaving her husband and 5 daughters. “Ima. I love you!” a video shows her 4-year-old daughter saying.

Her steadfast faith and energetic spirit left a lasting mark on the many that have come to know her during her lifetime. A full crowd was present at her funeral this past Tuesday in Jerusalem.

She is survived by her husband Rabbi Yechiel Kotzer, and their children Chana Kotzer, Rivka Kotzer, Chaya Mushka Kotzer, Menucha Rachel Kotzer and Miryam Marmel Kotzer.

Friends now launched a fundraiser to help the family with covering the immense medical costs and living expenses. “The expensive treatments and the years of home in turmoil and lack of steady income have left the distraught family over one million Shekel in debt,” they noted.

To support the family, click here

Baruch Dayan Haemes.