A community worker who was given the freedom of Gateshead for championing the Jewish community for decades has died.
Ezriel Salomon MBE was admitted to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital , and died on Saturday from complications caused by Pneumonia. Mr Salomon died aged 76.
Mr Salomon was a pioneer in community liaison, being a founder member of the Gateshead Interfaith forum, and his much-valued work in the community was recognised in 2010 when he was awarded an MBE.
The community worker was then made a Honorary Freeman of the Borough by Gateshead Council a year later.
Mr Salomon devoted his life to the wellbeing of Gateshead’s Jewish community.
He was head teacher of Gateshead Jewish Primary School for 35 years, and his passion for education saw him instrumental in setting up Haskel - a charity providing education and support to children with special needs and disabilities.
He also helped establish the Labriut Healthy Living Centre, and the Jewish Community Council of Gateshead.
“I am honoured and humbled to become a Freeman”, he said at the time.
“Gateshead means everything to me as I have lived all my life here.
“I am proud to live in Gateshead and be part of everything it has achieved.”
Gateshead Council leader Coun Martin Gannon said: "I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of a true friend of Gateshead.
“In a life devoted to the community, Ezriel Salomon made an immense contribution to the life of Gateshead, both as an advocate and an ambassador for the borough.
“Making him an Honorary Freeman allowed us to demonstrate our great appreciation, on behalf of the people of Gateshead, for his many endeavours and for his deep attachment to our borough.
“It was with deep sadness that we heard of his passing. We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife and family.”
