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🇮🇱 Israel /Culture & Society

Matan Koch, disability advocate who urged Jewish communities to ‘let everyone in,’ dies at 44

From Jerusalem Post · (7m ago) English Positive tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Matan Koch, a prominent disability advocate and lawyer, died Friday in Los Angeles at age 44 after a battle with stomach cancer.
  • Koch, who used a wheelchair, was known for his work as the Los Angeles ADA compliance officer and for urging Jewish communities to be more inclusive.
  • He advocated for a more inclusive approach to disability within Jewish communities and in his professional life, aiming to ensure everyone felt welcomed and valued.

Matan Koch, a beloved figure in both the Jewish community and disability advocacy circles, has passed away at the age of 44. His death, following a brief but intense fight with stomach cancer, has sent ripples of grief through Los Angeles and beyond.

The most important thing for you to know about Matan is that he is a deeply soulful, profoundly decent, and incredibly kind human being. And every single day that you have been in our community, you have made our community better. It’s an absolute joy and honor to dive in with you, to call you a friend, and to have you as a beloved member of our community.

— Rabbi Sharon BrousRabbi Sharon Brous described Matan Koch before he spoke at his synagogue’s Disability Shabbat service.

Koch was more than just a lawyer and an advocate; he was a beacon of inclusivity. His powerful message, urging Jewish communities to 'let everyone in,' resonated deeply, challenging congregations to actively welcome individuals with disabilities. His personal experiences with exclusion fueled his lifelong mission to foster a more inclusive environment, a mission he pursued with unwavering dedication.

Every time you’re looking for one more participant, one more volunteer, one more Torah reader, think about who is excluded from our community by disability or any other reason - and think about how we would be enriched if only they were here. Then let that motivate us to create an inclusive community that truly lets everyone in.

— Matan KochKoch's message during his synagogue's Disability Shabbat service, urging greater inclusion.

As the Los Angeles ADA compliance officer, Koch worked tirelessly to ensure the city adhered to the Americans with Disabilities Act. His professional achievements were matched by his profound commitment to his community, where he was cherished for his kindness, his spirit, and his ability to make everyone feel valued. His family noted his enduring optimism and his focus on love and connection, even as his health declined.

His condition declined far more quickly than he, and we, had hoped.

— Matan Koch's familyMatan Koch's family shared the news of his death on his Facebook page.

Koch's legacy is one of profound impact, reminding us all of the importance of empathy, inclusion, and the power of a single voice to inspire change. His passing is a significant loss, but his message of radical inclusion will undoubtedly continue to inspire.

Ever optimistic, he pushed to squeeze every drop of love and connection and intellectual engagement out of life. Even as options narrowed, Matan remained focused on staying present and connected to the people he loved.

— Matan Koch's familyMatan Koch's family described his approach to life and illness.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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