Matan Koch

Matan Koch (Matan Aryeh ben HaRav Nissan v'Rachel) died on Friday, April 24, 2026.

Matan is survived by his mother, Rosalyn Koch (Rabbi Norman Koch z’l), siblings Rabbi Shira Koch Epstein and Jason, Yonatan Koch, Adina Koch and Aytan Koch; nieces and nephews Amichai, Kobi, Avigayil, Duncan and Jason; and his honorary family; Martin Smith, Jack & Stephanie Rubin and their children Olivia and Edward.

In his family’s words, Matan was a disability rights leader, lawyer, and deeply cherished member of our Jewish community, a person of extraordinary mind, heart, and spirit whose life and legacy touched and inspired so many. Living in a world that was not yet structured to accomodate his body, he helped reshape that world, expanding what dignity, inclusion, and human possibility can look like. From national policy work to his leadership in Los Angeles, and through the way he showed up in Jewish life, he guided others with clarity, compassion, and wisdom, and was experienced by many as a teacher in the deepest sense. He brought deep optimism, hope, gusto, and an infectious spirit to all who knew him, leaving a lasting imprint on people and communities alike.

A funeral service will take place on Monday, April 27, 2026 in Los Angeles at 1:00 PM Pacific Time (4:00 PM Eastern Time). To view the funeral service livestream, please use the link here: Matan Koch Funeral Service Livestream

Interment will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 12:00 PM in Center Cemetery - 6 Poplar Street; New Milford, CT.

Contributions may be made to IKAR - 6230 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 1763; Los Angeles, CA 90048, https://ikar.org/donate/general-donation/ and the United Spinal Association - 102 Duane Road; Fort Totten, NY 11359, https://unitedspinal.org/support-our-mission/.

To send messages of love and condolence to the Koch Family, please use the email link Here

(Obituary credit to IKAR; Los Angeles, CA)

An additional obituary prepared by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency (JTA) is available here: Matan Koch Obituary JTA

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, Danbury is in care of arrangements.

For shiva details, please email jowdykanefuneral@aol.com and include your name and phone number to be exchanged with the family. Shiva will be held in Brooklyn, NY; Westchester County, NY and Boston, MA.