September 21, 2008 / 21 Elul, 5768

Major General (reserve) Moshe Nativ (1932-2008), who served as Director General of the Jewish Agency at the time of the massive aliyah from the Commonwealth of Independent States during the 1990s, has passed away after a prolonged illness.

Nativ, who came to Israel on his own at the age of 16 within the framework of youth aliyah onboard an illegal immigrant vessel, served in a succession of Israel Defense Forces posts for 25 years.  He was the head of the IDF Manpower Division from 1978 to 1983.  Upon his release from the Army he served in many civilian posts.  He was appointed Director General of the Jewish Agency after having headed the emissary network in the United States.  In 1996 he was appointed Chairman of the Board of the "Amigur" housing company and served in public positions including Chairman of the Zalman Shazar Center, the President of the Council for a Beautiful Israel and others.