Jake, i only wish we could have got to spend more time with you. It was lovely when you came to Melbourne for work and mum and i picked you up from your assignment and we spent the afternoon with you. I remember when Jenny my daughter came in from school and she told you she was studying Russian history and she was loving it, you were so happy about that. I know there are so many people who will miss you and your family here in Australia will miss the facebook messages and your amazing cartoons. RIP Jake from Joy, Auntie Theresa and all the family in Oz

You were so funny, approachable and enjoyable to be around. Ill miss your banter with Andy, Will and Kate

So many fond memories of you Jake. You possessed that rare gift of being able to find common ground with everyone you conversed with. I first met you in the early 90s through my brother who you became friends with at Kibbutz Be’eri. The three of us would often meet up at the Punch and Judy in Covent Garden on a Saturday lunchtime and take things from there. You kindly arranged for me to use your uncle’s (?) pub off the Edgware Road for my 30th and we had a fine lock-in where I was first introduced to your skills on the piano. You played the piano at our wedding service and did an amazing job. Unbeknownst to me, Mariella sent you a list of five songs she wanted you to learn and play. I still remember walking down that aisle and struck to the core on hearing your beautiful rendition of one of our favourite songs. You turned up at one of our events at the Italian Cultural Institute with an accordion and a cheeky smile and lit up the room with your impromptu music. A day in the recording studio with you at the piano holding us together throughout Sympathy for the Devil. You excitedly running to the microphone and inexplicably singing a few lines of I Can’t Explain as we carried on. I will cherish that recording even more now. You were a key member of the Music Club in the late noughties and early ‘10s and you had that ability to deliver effusive praise or a scathing critique in the richest, warmest language. You were one of the few people I’ve met who saw football shirts as fashion items rather than simple clan colours. You were a joy to be with: your wit, your humour, your vast knowledge and intellect, your honesty, your kindness and your gentle nature will never be forgotten. You will be forever missed. Our thoughts go out to all your family and friends and to Kate, who made you very happy.