As a kid, I knew Jonathan as my father's friend from America, who visited us in Israel once every few years. As I grew older my English got better, I was able to have longer conversations with him during those visits, and he became my friend from America as well.

It was when I finished my service in the army that we started emailing each other. I was telling him about finally starting my independent, grownup life, and he would share his experience and wisdom, offering support and guidance. When I told him I was looking for a job, he told me about the winding path of his career - how he worked for a sculptor, studied English literature, worked for a law firm, studied electrical engineering, and so on - and this was something that is guiding me still in life: don't be afraid to try and experience, decisions are not forever-binding, and it's never too late to try something new. And his help didn't stop there - he also got me a job interview here.

There was one thing that Jonathan always emphasized in our correspondence, and that was how much I am welcomed in his home, and I should visit soon. So when I planned my big trip to the United States, I knew what will be my first stop. This was the best beginning I could ever ask for my trip. Jonathan, Jill and the kids made me feel immediately like family. I had a room in their house all to myself, they showed me around, and helped with all the preperations I needed for the rest of the trip. Their generosity was limitless. My week with them just flew by and I didn't want it to end, and when it was time to go, Jonathan assured me that whatever happens, if anything doesn't go as planned, I can always just come back and they'll be happy to have me.

And I did come back. Not on that trip, because thanks to Jonathan I was fully prepared for practically everything, but on my next trip a few years later, this time with my wife. We went on a road trip in California, which of course meant a visit to our family in LA. Jonathan was just recovering from his back surgery, tired and still in pain. But the surgery was successful, and Jonathan's warm, reassuring smile was still there, like I remembered.
So it was a complete shock for me to hear just a few months later that this smile has faded. It still is.

Jonathan, my friend, you were loving and kind, generous, wise and inspiring, with a big smile and a bigger heart.
I will never forget you.

When I think of my dear cousin Jonathan I think of a line of warmhearted Losk men.  Not many know that Jon's grandfather, Joshua Tschilosky (changed to Charles Losk on immigration), was born near Odessa Russia (now Ukraine) and came to America to escape the progroms and conscription in the Tsar's army.  He settled in Watford City North Dakota attempting to homestead, but in classic Jewish fashion opened a successful dry goods store.  He married Rose Kremin and they had four children, the youngest of which was Jon's father Herschel. 

Like his father and grandfather, Jon inherited the talent for telling good stories, good jokes, with a great sense of humor and irony, with a touch of Yiddishkeit.  His grandfather was so well liked in this German and Norwegian farmer town that he was elected mayor.  His father Harry inherited this same social easy and love of people which he passad on to Jon. Jon is on lower right in picture, 

Jon and his family were close to my family and Jon had a special relationship with my mom, his aunt Rene, and Jon's father Harry was my favorite uncle. I spent much of my adolescence in Chicago close to my cousin Jon, where we enjoyed pingpong in the basement, electronics, practical jokes and, as typical teenage boys, dirty stories.  Few people know that Jon and I also share a criminal past-- We were arrested for trespassing, after we jumped a security fence in a car impound lot.  

I will always remember Jon as funny, bright, joyful and engaged in his own life and those of others who grew into a man with those same qualities. I will miss you, Jon.

Mike Nerenberg
 

Forty years ego, on a Friday afternoon, my mother came home with a 16 years old kid.
He was at the same age as me, and my mother said that he will leave with us for one year,
as part of a program in which students from USA come for 1 year to study in Leobaek.
Now he will leave here for a year ? In my home ? With me ? It was after my older sister left home and I thought I will be "the only kid in town", with all the attention.
I don't remember how much time it took, but after some time Jonathan didn't just became
my friend, he became my brother.
My real true brother . I gained a brother and my parents gained another son.
It was a great year.
I remember us visiting my sister, Irit, in the Kibbuts.
I remember going with Jonathan to watch a football (soccer) game of Hapoel Haifa.
I remember the holydays, the family trips, gathering together.
I remember Jonathan and me, together.
After this year Jonathan went back home.
It was 40 years ego.
And we stayed in touch.
Whenever he came in a business trip to Israel, he always stayed with us when he could.
We always went to eat some Humus and Kebab and when I told him that there is better
food to find here, he used to say that he can't forget how he fell in love in this food
when he leaved here.
Couple of years ego, Jonathan, Jill, Adam and Abby came to Israel and I won't forget the family reunion lunch with all of us and my parents.
My son Dean, who visited Jonathan and Jill twice, once alone and once with his wife, Shachar, treated so beautiful, and when they thanked Jonathan, he said that it was just a little bit to return what he got from my parents.
I admit I was really touched about this.
Thursday night Dean called me. I heard in his voice that something happened.
He said that there something very odd on Jonathan Facebook page.
After sometime, the odd became shocking.
Jonathan is gone.
I can’t believe it even as writing it.
It's beyond understanding.
Jonathan is gone.
We light a candle in loving memory of Jonathan.
Jill, Adam and Abby, remember that you have a family here in Israel.
We send you huge hugs and a lot of love.
I love you Jonathan, my brother.