In Memory

Louis Balcher VIEW PROFILE

Louis Balcher

From Reuven Nathanson

Deceased Classmate: Louis Balcher
Date Of Birth: 
Date Deceased: January -23-2022
Age at Death: 
Cause of Death: 
Classmate City: 
Classmate State: 
Classmate Country: USA
Survived By: 

From Lou’s family: Louis Norman Balcher of Langhorne, PA, passed away on January 23 after a 19-month hard fought battle with an aggressive bladder cancer at the age of 66. Lou is predeceased by his beloved mother Rebecca Balcher, whom he personally cared for until her death on August 16, 2007. She was buried in Israel, where Lou will also be buried. Lou is survived by his devoted wife, Jocelyne, and sons, Daveed and Alex, who were constantly at his side in the last months of his life. He was a proud husband and father who always made his love and pride for his family known to anyone who would listen. Lou was born in Cleveland, OH, as were his surviving sisters and brothers, Shari Weiss, Connie Inukai, Aharon Botzer, Chuck Balcher, and Judah Botzer. For many years, Lou was the head of Academic Affairs at the Israeli Consulate in Philadelphia, PA. He also worked tirelessly on developing the organization, Young Jewish Leadership Concepts (YJLC), which he and Jocelyne created in 1986 to provide opportunities for Jewish young professionals to form strong community bonds, learn about their Jewish heritage, and build a connection to Israel. He is described by those who had the privilege of working with him as someone who had an energy that filled the room and an ability to make every individual voice feel heard. Lou was recently awarded a plaque from the Consulate General of Israel recognizing his devoted service to the Jewish community and people of Israel over four decades: “A Zionist in every aspect of his life, both personally and professionally, Lou is an educator and role model for the next generation of Jewish communal and organizational leadership, imbuing them with leadership skills, a love and knowledge of Israel and what it means to be a true mensch. His contribution, devotion, love and concern for the State of Israel and its people over so many years is something that will never be forgotten. Even when the road was not always so easy, Lou has stood up to the challenges faced by him and ensured that future generations of American Jews are inspired to live a life of service to others.” In lieu of flowers, Lou’s family asks that donations be sent in his memory to the American Foundation Creating Leadership for Israel (AFCLI), an organization that Lou founded in Spring 2021, in order to continue Lou’s mission to improve American relationships with Israel. For more information, please see AFCLI.org. Lou’s funeral will be held January 25th in Israel (9pm Israel Time, 2pm EST via zoom broadcast), where he will be buried in Tzfat Cemetery near his mother Rebecca. A zoom link will be available on AFCLI.org. A memorial service will be held in Yardley, PA on February 27th afternoon. Check AFCLI.org for details and updates. 
 



 
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01/26/22 01:29 PM #1    

David Marks

Very sad... but most definitely, Louie was "a true mensch" in the best possible ways, with amazing strength, drive, sense of duty, compassion, humor and humility.  Baruch Dayan HaEmet.


01/27/22 11:18 AM #2    

Ellen Kwait (Blank)

Louie was a good friend. He was always thinking of other people and how to help them.

01/30/22 11:49 AM #3    

David A Grant

I was saddened to hear about Louie, who is one of the few people who I  knew before high school that remains in my thoughts.  He was my cabin-mate at Camp Wise back in 1968, when I needed someone to reach out to me as a friend.  Not being fond of adolescent hijinks, I needed someone with sensitivity, good humor, and a kind spirit to be my companion during that time, and Louie was right there. .

At Heights, we used to run into each other and reminisce about that time.  He continued to show his kindness and we enjoyed interacting with other.  The achievements listed in his obituary certainly reinforce what I already knew about him, and he will obviously be loved, missed by many.  

Thanks to Reuven Nathanson for forwarding the information.

 

David Grant


01/30/22 01:10 PM #4    

Deborah Weiss (Stone)

So saddened to hear about Louis' untimely passing. Louis was incredibly outgoing, sweet and committed to his dear family. He loved Eretz Yisrael and Am Yisrael. May his memory be a guide and a blessing for all of us.

With love to all,
Debbie Weiss Stone


01/31/22 12:19 AM #5    

Ginger Glazer

I was so saddened to hear of Louie's passing.  He was a very kind and caring person.  At our last high school reunion we reconnected and I learned that both he and my daughter worked for the Israeli Consulate but in different cities and in different capacities. His biography is a testement to the wonderful man he was.  I know he will be missed by many. May his memory be for a blessing.


01/31/22 08:39 AM #6    

Samuel Magar

So sorry to hear the news. Louie always smiled and was everyone's friend.  We was a great wrestler and I everyone who new him will miss him.


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