From Jeffrey D. Schwartz, Founder of the Jewish–Taiwan Cultural Association (JTCA) To all friends and members of the media who cared for NaTang

From Jeffrey D. Schwartz, Founder of the Jewish–Taiwan Cultural Association (JTCA)
To all friends and members of the media who cared for NaTang:

My beloved wife, NaTang, who was loved by so many, passed away peacefully on the afternoon of October 14, 2025, after her battle with lung adenocarcinoma. In accordance with her wishes, and following Jewish tradition, she was laid to rest within 48 hours, on October 16, at our family Jewish burial ground at Jinbaoshan, where I will one day be by her side. I sincerely thank every friend and supporter who has expressed concern and sympathy during this difficult time.

NaTang lived her life humbly and quietly. She explicitly requested that her passing not be publicly announced, so as not to disturb others. However, I still wish to express my gratitude to all her friends, supporters, and the wider community, and to let everyone know that she was a person of truly noble soul and extraordinary wisdom.

Looking back, NaTang began experiencing coughing symptoms after a concert in 2021. At that time, due to the pandemic, it was inconvenient for her to seek medical attention. She had been undergoing regular blood tests for many years, all of which were normal, so it came as a shock when she was diagnosed with stage-four lung adenocarcinoma in December of the same year. The doctors initially estimated she had only 8 to 12 months to live, yet with her strong will and composed spirit, she walked alongside me for another four years.

Throughout her illness, she maintained a disciplined lifestyle—waking early, practicing yoga, and approaching life with calm and serenity. Her friends could hardly perceive the struggle she faced with her disease. Her warmth and kindness uplifted everyone around her, and she continued to pursue our shared ideals. During this time, we were together almost 24 hours a day, sharing both life and work. Looking back, I am grateful for the blessing of this time, which allowed us to discuss everything, including her wishes for the future. She was a woman of great wisdom, often offering me new perspectives and helping me organize everything around me. She was talented, strong yet gentle, and had an incredibly soft heart.

In the three months leading up to her passing, her health visibly declined. She discussed with me her wish to complete her life journey at home under palliative care. On that day, I held her tightly by her side until she peacefully left this world.

We were married in 2017. These eight years were the most inspiring and moving of my life. I had been a businessman focused on managing my career and family, until one day she asked me, “Are you willing to do something for Taiwan?” This question completely changed the direction of my life. Inspired by her, I founded the Jewish–Taiwan Cultural Association (JTCA), with the hope of promoting cultural exchange between the Jewish community and Taiwan, allowing the world to see Taiwan. From its inception to the present, NaTang was involved and guided the development of the association; every corner carries her influence. Today, Jews from around the world know of Taiwan and often visit, enabling numerous international delegations. Her inspired beliefs and entrusted mission will continue to guide me as I strive to serve Taiwan.

Establishing the JTCA in Taipei, as one of the very few global symbols of Jewish culture, and bringing international media attention to Taiwan’s cultural diversity, all stem from NaTang’s love and vision.

I often called her an angel, but she would always laugh and say, “You underestimate me.” Indeed, her wisdom and soul exceeded anything I could imagine. NaTang, my beloved, my wife, my friend, and my teacher, has elevated me from being a businessman focused solely on enterprise to a person with broader vision and countless blessings.

We will hold a memorial gathering on December 14, inviting her friends and supporters to remember her, and details will be announced later so that we may once again come together in her honor, feeling her love and goodness.

Sincerely,
Jeffrey D. Schwartz
Founder, Jewish–Taiwan Cultural Association (JTCA)