Israel's Zionist movement was saddened by the loss of one of its most devoted supporters Wednesday afternoon.
Ram Ben David, 63, known affectionately as Rami to friends, youngest of the well-known Ben David brothers, passed away after a long struggle with cancer. A businessman, Ben David contributed generously to Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, and zionist yeshivas.
The Ben David brothers built the Gush Katif hotel and the road leading to it, among their many projects.
His nephew, Rabbi Amir Ben-David, told Arutz Sheva, "Ram was first and foremost a family man, a warm father of children, grandchildren, and to the entire family. He had innate kindness, in his body and mind, had a love for Israel and love for the Land of Israel."
"Ram loved Torah scholars and Torah and delved into its wisdom. The Torah's command to educate our youth in Torah ways were very dear to him. He had a good mind and had a special happiness. He looked towards the World to Come and Messiah - it was important for him to get close to Hashem."
Ram Ben David will be laid to rest at 22:00 tonight at Har Hamenuchot Cemetery in Jerusalem.