Remembering Itzhak Levav
(1939–2024)

 

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Melvyn Freeman

Consultant—World Health Organization; Visiting Professor—University of Stellenbosch

Itzhak was such a vibrant and vital person that it is difficult to believe he has passed. I remember well when planning the first diploma course, sitting in long meetings with him (and other faculty) and learning and growing from his creativity and fresh approaches to education as well as innovations to the content. When Itzhak spoke we all listened attentively because he brought a wisdom, experience and dedication that was unsurpassed.

His contribution and commitment to the diploma over many years continued to be exemplary. I recall that he would fly in after long and exhausting flights, sometimes looking quite frail, but always managed to bring a freshness and colourfulness to his teaching, supervision and conversations. He had a “twinkle in his eye” and brought humour even to sensitive and controversial issues, though without belittling the seriousness or importance of the subject at hand. Simply being in his company was uplifting.  He was also a very fine academic and I always looked forward to reading his new work because one knew that when he published it would be insightful and interesting. He was a major advocate of human rights for people with mental health conditions and did so much, in his work inside and outside the diploma, to ensure justice and equity. RIP dear Levav. 

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Caroline Kim 

Judge—Ontario Court of Justice

It is so very difficult to express – in a few short paragraphs – Itzhak and his contributions to this community. 

Itzhak meant so much to people all over the world, and he achieved many things in his remarkable life and career.  But here, in Pune, for two short weeks of the year, we could boast that we had his full attention and he was “our” Itzhak. 

Itzhak brought so much to the diploma. He brought his curiosity, asking probing and meaningful questions to both students and faculty at all of the sessions. He brought his intellectual acuity, engaging people in meaningful discussion and – sometimes – heated debate. He brought his work ethic, often pressing the faculty to fight jet lag and meet – just once more while we are all here! -  to discuss improvements to the curriculum or course delivery. But above all he brought his compassion, kindness, and his incredible empathy for other people.  His focus on the humanity in human rights was something he impressed on the program in the early years when the diploma was being formed, and throughout the program via his teaching and mentorship. 

He will always be missed.

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Natalie Drew 

Technical Officer—Policy, Law and Human Rights Unit, Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, World Health Organization 

When I think of Itzhak, I think of his quiet but formidable presence and strength. Even in intense discussions, including those memorable debates and ‘armchair interviews’ in the early years of the diploma, his calm demeanor and genuine curiosity about others’ perspectives left a lasting impression on me. He had an incredible way of making people feel at ease, encouraging them to open up and share their experiences and views, even difficult or challenging ones. This brought a human touch to the issues being discussed, which helped us all to gain a deeper understanding. I really miss him.

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Dr Jana Offergeld 

Research Associate/Policy Advisor—German Institute for Human Rights, CRPD Monitoring, BODYS 

I first met Itzhak, when I was a student of the International Diploma course International Diploma in Mental Health, Human Rights & Law. He was such a great teacher. His lectures provided a vast amount of scientific data and facts. At the same time, he was able to keep the focus on the human suffering and societal disparities created by stigma on mental health. And while I honestly felt intimidated by his wealth of knowledge and experience, Itzhak’s friendly and humble manner made it easy to let go of any nervousness. He really cared for his students and was supportive beyond the scope of the diploma course. Itzhak always encouraged us to believe in ourselves and become part of the human rights movement. I still remember his motivating (and funny!) mails during my PhD phase and how much they helped me to pull through. When I became part of the faculty, it was an honor to be teaching beside such an established expert. And it was a great pleasure to spend time with him beyond the lectures. I will miss his wise insights and his great humor. The mental health and human rights community has lost a relentless and powerful advocate.

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Dr Michelle Funk 

Unit Head, Policy, Law and Human Rights, Department of Mental Health & Substance Use, WHO, Geneva 

Itzhak was our beloved leader, bringing joy, humor, and intellectual sharpness to every discussion in the diploma program. 

He was a friend to all, always available to listen, discuss, and support us, no matter what he had going on in his own life. His energy, intellect, and dedication seemed almost superhuman, as he never lost his cool or patience, even under significant stress. 

Itzhak’s passing is a profound loss, but future students will continue to benefit from the course he helped shape with such care and vision.

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