Obituary: Activist Shatzi Weisberg Passed Away at 92
Shatzi Weisberg, a beloved and legendary member of the LGBTQ community, has passed at the age of 92.
Known as a feisty, self-proclaimed “old dyke,” people loved her for her spirit and directness. Some marveled Weisberg never would die.
“With full and heavy hearts, we want to share with you all that Shatzi Weisberger, The Peoples Bubbie, 92-year-old antizionist Jew, lesbian, abolitionist, nurse, and lifelong organizer, died last night,” Jewish Voice for Peace New York posted December 2 on Instagram.
“Shatzi was in her own home when she died, exactly according to her wishes, thanks in large part to the support this community showed her by donating and sharing her GoFundMe. She said over and over that she felt utterly surrounded in love. In her own words this past week: ‘I am dying, and yet this is the best time of my life.’”
In a civil rights movement relatively young compared to some, Weisberg proved to be a grand dame for LGBTQ rights. Weisberg also made great strides battling antisemitism, living for longer than Israel has existed.
Jewish Voice for Peace New York uploaded several Weisberg memes in recent days. “I’ll fight like hell for a free Palestine until the day I die,” read one. “Then, I’ll keep fighting. Your queer ancestor will be with you.”
Another said, “Ninety-two year old dyke saying, ‘Fight like hell and love each other harder.’”
“A core wish of Shatzi’s was a joyous online memorial, a celebration of her life,” Jewish Voice for Peace New York posted.
Jewish Voice for Peace New York asks those sharing memories and photos of Shatzi on Instgram use the hashtag #InMemoryOfPeoplesBubbie and tag @jvpny and @jewishvoiceforpeace.
“The streets of New York City will not be the same without Shatzi—and yet what a legacy she offers us,” Jewish Voice for Peace posted. “We love you so much, Shatzi. May your memory be for a revolution.”
Weisberg was known for staging HIV “die-ins,” protests that involved mimicking dead bodies, at the height of the AIDS epidemic.
