NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Israel's first fatality of the coronavirus pandemic is an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.
Arie Even lived in a Jerusalem assisted-living home that has been the site of several coronavirus cases, Haaretz reported.
Even immigrated to Israel from Hungary in 1949. He and his wife Yona worked for Israel's Foreign Ministry, visiting the country's overseas diplomatic missions.
Even is survived by four children, 18 grandchildren and one great-grandson.
"He was a beloved and dear man, lived a full life, was dedicated to his family, and showed strength until his very last moments," one of his son's said in a statement. "We lament that he had to spend his last moment without his family by his side. We would like to thank the medical staff at Jerusalem's Shaare Zedek Medical Center for their devoted treatment and the empathy they demonstrated."
The Health Ministry said that Even suffered from other underlying illnesses, and had arrived at Jerusalem's Shaare Zedek Medical Center about a week ago in critical condition. He also experienced a cardiac event during the week, for which he needed CPR. The ministry added that Even's condition deteriorated within several hours and the doctors pronounced him dead.
Israel has reported at least 1,238 cases of coronavirus.
