Israel Air Force Commander Major General Amikam Nurkin eulogized Rona Ramon, who died this evening after a serious illness.
"The IAF family mourns the death of the late Rona Ramon, the widow of Colonel Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut and mother of fighter pilot Captain Asaf Ramon who died in the framework of their contribution to the security of the State of Israel.
"Rona was part of the IAF family and stood by Ilan and Assaf in moments of happiness and sorrow, and the Ramon Foundation has contributed to shaping Israeli society in their own form.
"The Ramon family has contributed greatly to the operational activities and legacy of the IAF over the years. We'll continue to embrace the Ramon family even in these difficult moments. Rona, you'll always be an inseparable part of the IAF family," Major General Nurkin said.