THE JEWISH WORLD
 
WHY TILL ONLY 120?
 
Lazar Abrahamson of Bulawayo celebrated 103rd birthday -- alert and in high spirits, as usual


Pictured left to right: Leon Riech, coordinator of country communities at the South African Zionist Federation, Lazar Abrahamson, and Michael Mensky

During a recent visit to the Savion Lodge, the Jewish old age home in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Michael Mensky, the Director of the Israel Centre in South Africa and the National Representative of the Jewish Agency and the WZO met centenarian Lazar Abrahamson. At 103 years old, Abrahamson reads the Torah at synagogue services almost every Shabbat; he is one of only two Jews in Bulawayo who is capable of doing so!

"Lazer is one of the most amazing people I ever met, " says Mensky. "He is in high spirits and loves living at Savion Lodge which where he has resided for over 30 years. When he was wished 'till 120' at his 103rd birthday, he responded: ' Why till only 120? Do you wish me bad luck?'"

Bulawayo's Jewish community consists of about 200 Jews, 35 of whom live extremely well at the Savion Lodge.


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