Former MK and Labor leader Aryeh (Lova) Eliav dies at 89

Eliav was renowned for activism in absorption, social justice and integration.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
LovaEliav (photo credit: .)
LovaEliav
(photo credit: .)
Aryeh (Lova) Eliav,one of the founders of the Labor movement and member of two governments, died Sunday at Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital. He was 89 years old.
During the late 1960's Eliav served in Labor governments as deputy industry, trade and labor minister and later as deputy absorption minister. His last formal post in the Labor party was as party chairman, after being elected in 1970.
He was also an early and vocal critic of settlements beyond the Green Line, opposing their establishment from 1967 onwards, causing a rift with his party colleaguessince the settlement movement was started under the auspices of Labor governments.
Eliav was most known for his relentless activity in Aliah absorption, education and integration of marginalized populations in Israel and abroad, serving as teacher several times, in Or-Akiva, Maalot and the Prison service. He went on relief missions on behalf of Israel to earthquake disaster zones Nicaragua and Iran.
One of the pinnacles of his absorption achievements was the foundation of the Nitzana Youth Village, which is an educational pioneer community in the Negev, nurturing youth from varying backgrounds. Eliav won the Israel prize in 1988 for his contribution to Israeli society.
Since 1967 he has been an early and vocal critic of the settlements beyond the Green Line, causing a rift with his party colleagues since the settlement movement was started under the auspices of Labor governments.