Dilia's Tree
On Tu Bishvat, the New Year of Trees, the department planted a tree in memory Dilia.
Growing up in Burma (Myanmar), Dilia loved climbing trees and, from an early age, developed a deep, lasting connection to the natural environment. This tree symbolizes that bond, a connection that continued to shape her values and, later in life, guided her professional and academic path.
This tree stands as a living tribute to Dilia’s roots, her curiosity, and her enduring commitment to the natural world.
Tributes
A tribute by Nurit Agam: Mentor, Colleague, and Close Friend
I have 6 contacts in my fast dial: my spouse’s; my kids’; my mom’s; my lab manager’s; and yours.
This is how big the void is.
Marja and Harm – Thank you for letting me take part in this journey. Getting to know you explains how Dilia turned out to be all that she was. And she was pure light.
I am not ready to summarize.
There is so much that I want to say, and yet words seem so meaningless…
So I’ll just say this to you,
Dilia – I imagine you sitting at the top of a dune in a magnificent desert, watching the sunset with a glass of wine in your hand. Happy and relaxed. And I am so happy for you that you don’t suffer anymore.
I just wish I could enjoy that wine with you.
No desert sunset will be the same again. They will still be spectacular, I will still relish them, and I will forever miss you. I love you so much.
A tribute by Meidad Kissinger, Head of the Department of Environmental, Geoinformatics, and Urban Planning Sciences
Dilia,
I speak here today, with great sorrow, on behalf of your academic home of recent years, on behalf of your colleagues at the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.
Just a few years ago, you chose to join us as a faculty member, researcher, and lecturer, and began a meaningful, demanding, and rewarding journey. A journey that included building your own laboratory, developing independent research ideas, collaborating with colleagues (several of us are here today), working closely with students, and teaching the next generation.
In such a short time (too short), you achieved so much. You explored, you published, you created, and above all, you did what you loved - Science.
You were a true scientist. Yet your science never stopped at the laboratory or at academic publications. It always aimed to reach beyond, to touch people.
We saw you share your knowledge with students, quietly, modestly, professionally, communicating science in a way that connected theory with real-world practice.
The students who had the privilege of learning from you were exposed not only to your expertise but also to your passion for knowledge and for teaching.
In choosing us, the university, the Negev, Israel, you chose to make your home in this complex place, embracing it despite the many challenges it holds.
In our conversations (mostly in Hebrew), your deep connection to this place was always so clear.
Unfortunately, the time you spent with us was not enough to complete the tenure process. But we can promise you and your family that you will always be with us and be part of our department in the years to come.
Dilia, thank you for choosing us. We all grieve your loss. In a short time, you touched so many through your unique and special character, and for us, it has been a true honour to be part of your life.
Rest in peace, Dilia, and know that we, your colleagues who became friends,
will miss you and remember you forever.