Laura Ben-David, a celebrated photographer, writer, and champion for Jewish unity and the State of Israel, passed away on Thursday at age 56, surrounded by her loved ones.
Originally from the U.S., Laura made aliyah in 2002 and quickly emerged as a leading voice within Israel’s English-speaking community. Her unique blend of creativity, warmth, and passion made her a beloved figure among readers, immigrants, and Jewish communities worldwide.
Laura was best known for her work with Nefesh B’Nefesh, where she served as social media director and helped thousands of olim (immigrants) tell their stories. Later, at Shavei Israel, she highlighted the lives and heritage of Jews across Latin America, India, Africa, and other remote corners of the world. She was also the author of Moving Up: An Aliyah Journal, a candid and humorous chronicle of her family’s move from Florida to Israel.
A gifted photographer, Laura’s images graced exhibitions, publications, and websites. She founded the Jewish Life Photo Bank, aiming to broaden the global visual narrative of Jewish life and identity. Her photography captured not just faces and places, but the emotions and stories behind them.
Through her regular blogging at The Times of Israel, Laura shared personal reflections marked by honesty, depth, and resilience. Even as she battled ovarian cancer, she continued to write and photograph, offering light and hope to others.
She is survived by her husband, Raphael M. Barishansky; their children Shyra, Lexi, Eitan, Ezra, Kobi, and Maya; grandchildren; her mother and sisters; and a worldwide community touched by her enduring legacy of love, truth, and beauty.
Harlan Kilstein has been a Boca Resident since 1997. He know the ins and out of Boca
