Rabbi Joseph Beyda

In the early morning hours of October 30, 2024, the Jewish community lost one of its most precious gems. Rabbi Raymond Harari served a variety of roles in the Syrian Jewish Community including Head of School at the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School and as the Head Rabbi of Congregation Mikdash Eliyahu. He was also part of the rabbinical staff of Ohel Yishak in Allenhurst, NJ and previously served as the spiritual leader of Congregation Bnei Shaare Zion and Congregation Kol Israel.

A humble man, Rabbi Raymond Harari z”l was one of the world’s greatest Torah teachers. Thousands, if not more, learned from him and virtually all would testify that they cherished the experience. An untold number of his students were inspired and uplifted to become Torah teachers themselves. A substantial number of those teachers have grown into master teachers in their own right, expanding by many multiples the influence Rabbi Harari has had. Developing teachers were often advised to “go watch Rabbi Harari” so they could witness his technical mastery of the art of teaching in a classroom.

Following in the tradition of the Rambam, Rabbi Harari believed and lived the idea that silence is golden and that one should be as clear and concise as possible. This created the space that allowed people to learn lessons from him by watching and observing how he conducted himself. He understood that people learn more from one’s actions than words and set a sterling example of what the Torah asks us to be.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks wrote that “Listening is a profoundly spiritual act, the greatest gift we can give to another human being,” and Rabbi Harari’s humility made him an outstanding listener. In every interaction, he made sure others had the space they needed to express themselves safely. He took in their words but also sensed their emotions–he knew where they were at. Consequently, he was loved by all. Only after listening and processing, would he offer his opinion, choosing his words carefully and always delivered with grace–generating a feeling of dignity for the other person.

Rabbi Harari’s warmth and empathy did not detract from his strong convictions; he always made clear where he stood. Likewise, his physical strength and commitment were legendary. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Rabbi Harari was forbidden by his doctors from entering the school building. Undaunted, a tent was pitched outside the school in which he taught his Gemara (Talmud) class. Despite the need to brave the elements, his students loved the experience – even in sub-freezing temperatures.

Rabbi Harari was a deeply spiritual person with a deep connection to Hashem. His tefillot (prayers) and shofar blowing on Yom Kippur were memorable for the many congregants he led. Frequently, he would make time for students, individually and in groups, to discuss religious, philosophical and theological issues. He was staunchly traditional, knowledgeable and committed to minhag (custom), yet open to innovation at the same time.

However, what truly set Rabbi Harari apart was his vision. He had a rare ability to see the potential in students, teachers and people that few if any others could. It was an acquired skill, something he worked on and honed. In particular, he believed strongly in educational opportunities for women. One of his proudest accomplishments was that one of his female students became the leading teacher of Daf Yomi (Talmud page of the day) for women with over 3,000 daily listeners.

Although he wore many hats – communal rabbi, head of school, counselor – Rabbi Harari referred to himself simply as a “teacher”. In his close to 70 years, he fulfilled this role to the fullest and it is now up to his many students to follow in his ways and continue his legacy.

Yeshivah of Flatbush

“My relationship with Rabbi Raymond Harari goes back for almost two decades, and his influence has been deeply impactful. Both of my daughters were inspired by his Gemara teachings, which they say transformed their lives and helped guide them toward successful paths. As a Yeshivah of Flatbush alumnus, I’ve seen the lasting effect of his wisdom firsthand. The gift he gave my daughters surpasses even what I received, and his ability to inspire across generations is truly remarkable. Rabbi Harari’s teachings continue to shape our family’s journey, and his legacy will stay with us for years to come.”

-Ralph Shamah, President, Yeshivah of Flatbush

Rabbi Joseph Beyda is the Yeshivah of Flatbush Joel Braverman High School Head of School

Sarah Dabbah

How do you celebrate an organization that has helped literally thousands of community members? Or recognize individuals who donated years of their life to be at its helm? On Monday, November 18th, hundreds of supporters gathered to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of SBH by honoring the past and current presidents of the organization.

Congregation Shaare Zion was full of the men and women who each played a part in building SBH into what it is today, including the 10 past and current presidents: Fred Bijou, Dr. Robert Matalon, Joseph D. Beyda a”h, Dr. Mayer Ballas, Sam Sutton, Jeffrey Gindi, Victor Grazi, M.D., Lee M. Cohen, Jack A. Aini, and David J. Beyda.

M.C. Marshall Mizrahi began by introducing SBH President David J. Beyda who kicked off the evening giving each of the presidents a round of applause. Rabbi Benhaim led a very special Hamotzi (blessing of the bread) before Rabbi Eli Mansour took the stage. The rabbi so eloquently shared how SBH helped shape him from his days as a volunteer for holiday packaging during his youth.

After watching a beautiful video tribute to our presidents (available on @sbh_updates Instagram page), former SBH Board Member Rabbi Ozeri took the stage to speak about the selfless dedication it takes to take on the role of president as well as the dedication of our board members and captains. Honorary Board Member Ronnie Tawil then had the privilege to present each president with their award, as well as Mrs. Barbara Beyda who accepted it on behalf of her husband Joseph Beyda a”h. It was truly incredible to see all of these giants together on one stage for probably the first time ever, standing in unison.

President David Beyda took the stage again to share just how much SBH has grown over the last 50 years. “With Hashem’s help, the strength of the community, our dedicated volunteers and staff…SBH will continue to grow, to serve, and to rise to every challenge,” said David. “Because the spirit of service, the commitment to each other is in our DNA and is who we are,” he continued. David touched on some of the many advancements SBH has made over the last several decades, including a full-blown counseling center, the work of our Fertility Division, and announced Lev Hatikvah, a new program that addresses the needs of widows and orphans in the community. David then announced SBH’s big plans for growing its footprint: a complete two-story renovation to the flagship on Kings Highway and the purchase of a new facility for the Tawil Family Jersey Branch.

Equipped with more knowledge of the breadth and depth of SBH’s many, many services, M.C. Marshall Mizrahi showed our audience just how many different people mobilize to help every single client. Through a vignette that demonstrated SBH’s comprehensive holistic approach to serving its clients. Many audience members were left in awe as he took us through a mock case that ended with over two dozen professionals and volunteers involved in helping get that client back on her feet.

Following a video showcasing how we are the ‘Building Our Future’, SBH VP Eddie Rishty presented Charles Anteby with a beautiful award to mark 15 years of his unwavering dedication to the organization and most notably our youth! Rabbi Meyer Yedid then shared his gratitude to SBH who helped him and his family when they arrived to the country.

The night closed with a very special note – literally. We were treated to the world debut of ‘By Your Side’ which was written exclusively for SBH’s 50th featuring community creatives Abe Heaney, Irv Safdieh, Ralph Hanan, Isaac Silvera, Sam Tawil, Albert Ashkenazi and Marshall Mizrahi (also available on our Instagram @sbh_updates!). It truly was an incredible night that left so many motivated to volunteer, support and celebrate SBH!

On a beautiful fall evening, DSN Beach Club demonstrated its unwavering support for Israel with a sophisticated and impactful event titled “Sip, Savor, and Support: A Taste of Israel.” Held at TEVA, DSN’s flagship restaurant, the evening was a true celebration of Israeli culture, TEVA cuisine, and community spirit.

In partnership with Shira Granot, affectionately known as the “wine fairy”, DSN collaborated with the Israel Wine Collection to showcase five renowned Israeli wineries: Agur, Dalton, Drimia, Matar, and Tulip. The event featured over 12 exquisite wines, paired perfectly with Teva Chef Valerio’s mouth-watering culinary creations. Each wine tasting was a journey through Israel’s diverse wine regions, highlighting the obstacles, resilience and creativity of the Israeli people.

As guests mingled and enjoyed the fine wine and delicious food, Shira Granot addressed the crowd, reflecting on the profound impact of the events of October 7 and the ongoing war on Israel’s wineries, lands, people, and businesses. Her heartfelt words resonated deeply with the over 200 attendees, who were eager to show their solidarity and support for Israel’s wine industry during these challenging times. Chuck Mamiye, a committee host for the evening, noted “One year into the war in Gaza, Israel’s wine industry has been heavily impacted since the events of October 7th. Vineyards have been bombed, harvests ruined, and many families’ livelihoods threatened. Despite these hardships, inspiring stories of resilience have emerged from this sector. It’s crucial to remember the sacrifices made by Israeli farms and vineyards. I’m incredibly proud of our community’s dedication to supporting the Israeli wine industry and of DSN’s ongoing commitment to hosting these supportive events.”

To make a tangible difference, attendees were also provided with QR codes, enabling them to purchase wines directly from these featured wineries. This initiative not only supported Israeli businesses but also allowed community members to bring a taste of Israel into their homes.

Adding to the evening’s warmth and elegance, Alexis Cohen, a community member and exceptional baker, generously donated a selection of desserts to complement TEVA’s new fall offerings. The beautiful floral arrangements by Victoria Mamiye and Privet further enhanced the sophisticated atmosphere, while Almar Party Rental ensured the setup was flawless.

The ambiance was elevated even further by the soulful music of Israel Portnoy, whose live performance of Israeli songs, accompanied by his guitar, added a deeply emotional and authentic touch to the evening.

Jamie Dweck, an esteemed photographer in the community, captured the essence of the event, preserving the memories of a night filled with unity, support, and celebration.

Shira Granot said “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible event you organized and for the beautiful work you are doing. It was an absolute pleasure to work with DSN and was truly curated to perfection! It was more than just an event; it was an opportunity to connect with your warm community, which was a real privilege. This event was incredibly meaningful for the wine industry, the opportunity to share their stories and the support you have shown is a game changer in ways I can’t describe. Seeing our shared goals come to life was truly rewarding.” The success of “Sip, Savor, and Support” is a testament to DSN Beach Club’s ongoing commitment to supporting Israel and its people. Through events like these, the Jersey Shore community not only stands in solidarity with Israel, but also actively contributes to its resilience and recovery, one sip and one step at a time.

Reflecting on a Decade of Love, Growth, and Support for Children with Special Needs and their Families

One evening in early 2014, over a dinner that would prove to be life-changing, Meyer and Victoria Safdieh sat with activist Michael Wahba. As parents raising three special children, Meyer and Victoria saw firsthand the unmet needs in the community and expressed a deep concern: “The community does not have enough support for children with special needs.” Watching families struggle with limited resources, that evening the seeds of CARE were planted.

Meyer and Victoria began meeting with other families who also had children with special needs, listening to their stories, their struggles, and their hopes. It was a mission to ensure no family would ever feel alone in navigating this path.

CARE started 10 years ago as a small network of eight families navigating the overwhelming world of special needs. For many, finding support, resources, and understanding felt like an impossible task. But when Meyer and Victoria Safdieh founded CARE, they weren’t just creating an organization—they were creating a lifeline, a place where families could be seen and understood, in moments of both joy and struggle.

Today, CARE serves over 600 families, each unique, each vital to our community and has become the vital hub and the only place families in our community with special needs children turn to for guidance, support, hope and strength.

The journey over the past decade has been one of constant growth and adaptation, as CARE expanded to meet the diverse needs of children with special needs. What began with a few families has blossomed into a comprehensive network of support that reaches far beyond what could have ever been imagined in those early days.

One of CARE’s first initiatives was the creation of sibling support. CARE introduced dedicated programs to make sure siblings felt seen and supported as integral members of the family journey. Today, the sibling support programs includes weekly Sib-Shops providing outlets for bonding and fun—a space for siblings to feel they have a community too. Soon after, CARE began to focus on family and community and began to launch many events and gatherings. These gatherings became spaces where children could connect, share experiences, and find understanding from others walking similar paths. CARE’s community events skillfully integrate the special needs community and the community at large.

CARE’s support does not stop with children and siblings. Over the years, CARE developed a range of parent support programs, nights out and events, creating a haven for parents to unwind, to be heard, and to gain strength from each other. Led by CARE’s founder, Victoria Safdieh, and CARE advisor Rachel Mitrani, our weekly mom support group has become a cornerstone for many of our mothers, helping them navigate the complexities and beauty of raising children with special needs. Each week, parents come together to share triumphs, challenges, and a good laugh, finding community, advice, and friendship.

One of CARE’s major milestones was the opening of the in-house therapy clinic, which currently provides over 50 therapy sessions per week for CARE siblings and parents. This space is dedicated to supporting families with the highest level of care, featuring social workers and professionals that provide vital emotional support for the entire family.

As CARE expanded, the need to do more for teens with autism grew, which led to the launch of the Autism Initiative. This program provides a weekly social group for teen boys, offering them a safe, supportive space to build friendships, develop social skills, and enjoy meaningful activities. Each week, the boys grow in confidence and independence, a testament to what can be accomplished when teens with special needs are given the right support.

In the past year, CARE’s growth continued with the opening of a neuro-screening center and, most recently, the launch of CARE’s Deal branch, bringing essential programs and services to even more families.

CARE’s founders- Michael Wahba, Meyer and Victoria Safdieh, recently reflected on the accomplishments and progress of CARE. “Looking back on these last 10 years, we are filled with gratitude for every family who has joined CARE and allowed us to be a part of their lives, to the entire CARE staff that is available at all hours for the families, and of course for our dear friends and supporters,” said Meyer.

“CARE has become what it is today because of its foundation of strength, compassion and love. We are more than just an organization; we are a community, a family, a source of comfort and hope,” said Victoria.

From the first eight families to over 600 today, from special needs programs to regional expansion, CARE’s journey has only just begun! “To every family who has walked with us, thank you for your trust and for letting us be part of your lives,” said Michael.

As CARE looks forward to the next decade, they are committed Be’ezrat Hashem to grow, to adapt, and to reach more families that have a child with special needs, because to CARE, at the heart of it all is one mission: every child and every family, deserves to feel supported and loved. q

The following story is an excerpt from our new book, SBH: 50 Years in the Making. We’re thrilled to announce this exciting new project and to share the story of one of our community’s most vital and distinguished organizations. This book will feature never-before-seen interviews with past presidents and archival documents that capture the magic and wisdom of SBH’s leaders and volunteers. Dive into the history of SBH, from its humble beginnings in a living room to the absolute force it is today. SBH’s story is as captivating as the individuals and teams who were integral to it, and we are so excited to share it with all of you. Our hope is for this book to live inside every community home, to pay tribute to our past and inspire our leaders of tomorrow.

By Esther Chehebar

On Monday, November 18th, SBH is hosting its 50th Anniversary Gala honoring the past and current presidents of SBH. To learn more about the dinner and journal sponsorship opportunities, contact Charlest@sbhonline.org or visit www.sbh50.com

CHAPTER 3

THE EARLY DAYS OF VISITING

Back when SBH was in its infancy and the only uniting principle was to visit the sick and elderly in hospitals, Fred Bijou walked into the room of a man he respected very much; there he found Hacham David Shammah in a “snakepit” ward, surrounded by seven other patients. The situation was intolerable to Fred. He realized he needed to do something, ASAP. In addition to mobilizing more volunteers, SBH’s financial committee – as it was then called began fundraising. It wasn’t easy. Many did not believe that such poverty existed in our community, let alone the very real pandemic of loneliness. Others were ashamed to admit that they knew somebody in need or were resistant to the idea all together. With tenacity and perseverance SBH was finally able to raise the funds and move Hacham David Shammah home as well as hire a nurse to care for him. And SBH as we know it was born. As of 2023, SBH houses over a dozen divisions which address everything from fertility to career choice to medical and senior services. There are over 75 therapists in SBH’s employ and the organization fields, on average, 300 calls a week from community members in need of assistance. At times it can feel impossible to identify which moments propelled SBH from one stratosphere to the next. But one thing is certain: the SBH of today exists because somebody knocked on a stranger’s door.

“Fred Bijou created something from nothing, and he did it with a lot of pushback.”

Barbara Matalon

MICKY’S LIST

Barbara Matalon and Gloria Bijou are a part of SBH’s DNA. They began visiting patients in the hospital together with their husbands, and were present at those very first meetings in Fred Bijou’s living room. At the time, Barbara Matalon was just twenty two years old and had three young babies at home. Still, SBH’s mission was a calling she could not walk away from. Barbara had been doing hospital visits for a few months when Micky Kairey’s list changed everything. Micky and Barbara were in the car on the way home from a hospital visit when he turned to her and said: “You know, there are people at home that you really need to visit. Start with this one.” Micky had been entrusted with a list of widows and orphans that originated from Ma’oz La’ebyon in Syria. Quietly, and on his own, Micky had been taking care of scores of people, community members who were privately suffering, hidden from the mainstream. Together with Linda Benun and Gloria Bijou, Barbara Matalon began taking on cases from that original list.

FROM HOSPITALS TO HOMES

HIDDEN IN PLAIN VIEW

Every SBH client was connected to a mainstream community person is some way or another; it just wasn’t spoken about. Not only that, many were skeptical that the need for a social services organization in our community existed at all. On their very first home visit, Barbara and Linda trekked up five flights of stairs to visit an elderly woman with no siblings. With no hired help or childcare at home, Barbara and Linda brought their babies along, as they would continue to do on most visits. The client, a 97-year-old lovely lady who stood no taller than four feet tall, opened the door with great excitement, “You came to visit me? How lucky am I!” Barbara still remembers how the woman cooked an entire shabbat meal in countless. tiny pots, all for herself. “Everything was a beracha to her.” Barbara recalled.

“The captains would catch things. One woman was smart enough to realize her client had a stroke when nobody else had noticed. Indeed, he did have one and was able to get help. “

-Barbant Matalon

The pair did everything from offer mental and physical support, to washing dishes… Barbara recalled one particularly difficult visit: “We rolled up our sleeves and began scrubbing pots as [the client] lay under piles of covers because she had no heat. There were tins of cat food all over the floor and no cat to be found. When we asked her why she simply replied: ‘Because it’s cheaper.”

THE HOME VISIT CREW RECRUITS VOLUNTEERS

Barbara, Linda, Gloria and Sandy Esses all. juggled young families while visiting 1-2 times a week. They realized they needed to recruit more volunteers. Barbara soon had seventy women in her living room eager to help. Hacham Baruch’s wife was one of them. Gloria Bijou’s mother-in-law was another.

SBH was barely a year old when Passover rolled around, and the harsh reality that many clients would not be able to have a seder, materialized. What would it take to make a seder plate for each one? The team wondered. Ideas began firing off at all cylinders.

We’ll make the berachot!

Gloria will cook the meals!

What would it cost?

$2,000: Money they didn’t have.

The next day, Fred Bijou opened his mail slot to find a banker’s check for $2,000. They never found out where it came from. But in the years that followed small miracles like this would happen time and time again, helping SBH attain the unattainable.

On another hard visit, Barbara and Linda decided to leave their children at home. They knew that this case would be tough, even for them. They knocked on Rosie’s door, but nobody answered.

They knocked some more, and could hear shuffling coming from the other side of the door. They continued to wait until finally, Rosie had dragged herself across the floor to open the door. The sight was shocking. The floor was soiled and the apartment was a mess. But Linda and Barbara continued the visit and told Rosie that they would be back again next week. The following week they knocked on the door, expecting the same wait and litter on the other side. Instead, Rosie answered the door immediately, fully dressed, her makeup and hair done. The apartment was completely clean. In just one week they had seen what their visit had done for this client.

THE YOUTH GET INVOLVED

During the early days of visiting SBH operated out of its original office at 530 Avenue R. Linda and Gloria decided to try and involve the high school students by prompting them to make Purim packages. This led to the students delivering the packages and paying a visit at the same time.

It’s difficult to imagine just how revolutionary this was. Today, there are countless community organizations and individuals who make and deliver packages for any and all occasions. However back then, it wasn’t nearly as common, if at all!

The kids were inspired to do Hesed and learned invaluable life skills in the process; how to be compassionate, respectful and inclusive of those different from you.

The front of Shearith Israel – the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue

Sarina Roffé

My husband and I decided to take a few days and visit Montreal, a place he always wanted to go. It’s an easy city to go when you are Jewish, lots of synagogues and kosher restaurants to choose from. It was an easy trip; we had no plans. We took a tour of the old Jewish part of Montreal and the guide mentioned that the first Jews in Montreal were Sephardim. As we were walking, I googled the Sephardic synagogue and sent a quick message to Rabbi Yehoshua Ellis, the rabbi of the Spanish Portuguese Synagogue in Montreal. I identified myself as a Sephardic historian who was the cousin of Rabbi Sam Kassin.

Imagine my surprise when within minutes I got a call from Rabbi Ellis, praising Rabbi Kassin, as he had been a student at Shehebar Sephardic Center (SSC) in Jerusalem and had received his semicha from the yeshiva. Rabbi Ellis had heard of me and set aside time in his day to provide David and I with a Surprise in Montreal tour of the synagogue as well as information about the community.

Shearith Israel – the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue began in Montreal in 1768 and is over 250 years old. The current building opened in 1947 and is the fourth building location. The synagogue has a coat of arms. The current location is part of a complex that includes a day school, community center, Jewish public library and Jewish hospital.

The synagogue has over a hundred Sefer Torahs, one of which is from Sedon (Lebanon) and is hundreds of years old. Many are family Torahs from Baghdad and other places. The synagogue has one Sefer Torah that is over 300 years old from Iraq and it came to the synagogue after the second Iraq war.

The Spanish Portuguese Synagogue has a main sanctuary and Bet Midrash, which has an Aron Kodesh that dates to 1835 and is used by the Lebanese congregants on Shabbat. They have minyans three times a day. The congregation has about 600-700 member families. There are other Sephardic synagogues in Montreal. Shearith Israel – the Spanish and Portuguese Synagogue may be the biggest Sephardic congregation in Canada. Rabbi Ellis estimated that 30 percent of Montreal’s Jewish community was Sephardic, yet they consumed 70 percent of the kosher food

I asked Rabbi Ellis, who is Ashkenazic and born in Kansas City, how he came to attend the SSC. Rabbi Ellis said “I was a volunteer in Poland for the JDC where I met my wife. I saw they needed a rabbi. I was looking for a yeshiva and a friend was studying at the SSC. I met with Rabbi Kassin and he said ‘Why are you here?’ I said I want to be a rabbi in Poland. And he said “ok, you’re in, but you have to start tomorrow.’ We had the exact same vision, which was to go out and be a rabbi who can keep Jews Jewish. Thank G-d, all of us who got to learn from Rabbi Peretz are in awe of how blessed we are, his Emunah, and his amazing depth of Torah knowledge. So after I got my semicha, I went to Poland for 13 years.”

Rabbi Ellis lived in Jerusalem for six years in Nahalot and got to go to many synagogues. He said every synagogue is a jewel in the crown of the king. As the rabbi for one year in Montreal, the father of two feels the Kehilla has a very unique synagogue, both emotionally and spiritually very warm.

Rabbi Ellis told us the history of the congregation. He showed me the portraits of several important rabbis of the congregation. Rabbi Abraham De Sola was the rabbi from 1847-1882. He was also a professor of Oriental Studies at McGill University. He opened a session of Congress in the United States with a prayer. Originating from a large renowned family of rabbis and scholars, De Sola was recognized as one of the foremost leaders of Orthodox Judaism in North America during the latter half of the nineteenth century. His son Meldola De Sola was the rabbi from 1882 – 1918.

In 1970, the Iraqis began moving here and it changed the culture of the congregation. The presidents that lined the walls included Bitton, Mohgraby, Levy, Benchimol, Elbaz, Shemie and Mann, many of them Iraqi. Many Moroccan Jews also came.

Regarding Rabbi Kassin and the SSC, Rabbi Ellis noted “The institution he built at Midrash Sephardi, is a wonderful institution. He gave me an opportunity. As students we were all inspired to make Jewish life livable for Am Israel. We spread Judaism and do what we can to teach Torah. We learned to spread Judaism of the middle path, making life livable and meaningful, yet staying true to tradition. We keep Am Israel a bit holier and more connected and to bring Judaism to more Jews.”

As to Rabbi Kassin, he said “He’s not interested in setbacks. He is only interested in how to move forward. We had the same vision and I am thankful for the opportunity he gave me.”

A genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017). She is researching a new book: Syria – Paths to Freedom. Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, and MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA.

Twelve people, the Kassab and Shama families, in an early group to show up at the Shamosh House in 1950.

Sarina Roffé

The Shamosh family of Iskenderun began helping refugees in the late 1930s when they helped Eastern Europeans escaping Nazi Germany. After World War II and the creation of the state of Israel, the family helped Syrian refugees escape the persecution and restrictions placed on Jews. Between Hakham Yaakov and his eldest son, Harun Shamosh, more than 3500 people were assisted after they left Syria. This is their story.¹

Iskenderun is a city along the Mediterranean coast, just northwest of Syria. Hakham Moses Tawil sent Hakham Yaakov Shamosh there from Aleppo to serve the community in 1932. He was the rabbi, the hazzan and the shokhet. After a few years he went back to Aleppo, and brought back his bride, Mazal Esses. Their son, Harun Shamosh, was born in 1936, the eldest of eight children.

Until his death in 1970, Hakham Yaakov arranged for many escapees to get to Israel. Eventually, his son Harun took over the mission, along with other family members. Iskenderun played a big role in helping Jews who escaped over the mountains from Aleppo into Turkey.

There were many restrictions for Syrian Jews. One of them was the restriction on travel, and the fact that you could not travel more than three kilometers from your home without permission. Jobs were lost and there were boycotts on their businesses. Many people tried to escape. Doing so involved baksheesh (bribe), smugglers and a dangerous escape route. For the Jews of Aleppo, the nearest border was through the mountains to Turkey. Since Hakham Yaakov had come from Aleppo, many families knew him and found their way to his home in Iskenderun.

In 1948, Syria only gave passports to its citizens. From about 1950-1960, some paid the Iranian consulate for passports. Those who were able to get Iranian passports went to Iskenderun and took a ship from there to Haifa. The ship only came once every 21 days.

Syrian Jews started to show up at Hakham Yaakov’s home in 1950. A group of 12 people from two families managed to get over the border into Turkey and came to his house with no money, filthy, dirty from traversing the mountains.

Hakham Yaakov arranged for them to get cleaned up and got a bus to take them to Istanbul – a 20-hour drive. They had to be escorted by a family member because they had no papers and only spoke Arabic, not Turkish. Hakham Yaakov found a place for them to stay in an old hotel. Hakham Yaakov went to the rabbinate in Istanbul for guidance. Then the refugees were taken to the Israeli consulate and arrangements were made for them to go to Israel. This process of using the Iranian passports went on for four to five years.

The rabbi often invited Jewish people to their home for Shabbat. One week there was a couple who claimed to be engineers working at a local cement factory. Hakham Yaakov’s wife was suspicious. As it turned out they were Mossad agents looking for a partner to help the Jews leaving Syria, Hakham Yaakov became that person. The agent instructed Hakham how to get people over the border.

Those who escaped Syria had no entry visa because they came through the mountains and crossed the borders illegally. Before individuals could leave Turkey, a person needed an entry visa. The issue of getting entry visas posed a problem.

Hakham Yaakov went to the police and asked what to do, explaining they could not go back and were refugees. From about 1954 until 1975, there was an arrangement whereby the police – for a fine of 70 lira – would issue entry visas good for 30 days to those who escaped. With the entry visa, the refugees could get a laissez passe (travel papers) in Istanbul and then go to Israel.

Each time a group of escapees showed up at his door, Harun or another family member would take them by bus to Istanbul.

After Hafez al-Assad became President of Syria in 1971, many families were escaping. Harun and the family were busy. Harun became well known for his work, not just his connections kept him safe.

Harun worked with trusted smugglers who got Aleppan Jews across the border into Turkey. They often used a code, like half of a photo or one earring. If the smuggler had the other half, he could be trusted not to say Harun’s name. The signal was always different.

Jack Imir, Harun’s son, remembers a Turkish Muslim smuggler who was often at their home. He smuggled goods across the border in both directions. He was sent to homes in Aleppo and started to bring people to Turkey. The smuggler was trusted, and he brought families several times a week. As more and more people were leaving in the 1970s, the Shamoshs were able to recruit more smugglers to assist. The smugglers knew what they were doing and were loyal to Harun and worked for them for many years.

Some people had the funds to pay smugglers on their own and others had to be helped with money. A lot of money was used for bribes or baksheesh. All involved wanted a piece of the action and Mossad bribed many government officials.²

Usually, people were smuggled over the border at midnight, when it was dark and the guards were more relaxed. The process was that the smugglers told the refugees only to wear the clothes on their back. They were not to bring any identification. The smugglers were often smuggling other items as well.

Border patrols were looking for smuggling of merchandise, not people. Smugglers were always paid in cash. Harun and his family said the refugees arrived at his home in the middle of the night, about 3 a.m. They walked for days in the mountains, in mud, and arrived at his home filthy and exhausted from the trip. Babies were carried and drugged to keep them quiet. They arrived hungry and needed to be fed.

Occasionally, if someone was caught at the border by the Turkish border patrol, the smugglers would run away, tell Harun Shamosh what happened and he would go to get them released. This happened many times. One family that he helped get released, met him decades later in Israel.

The Shamoshs bought the refugees new clothing and provided shelter until arrangements were made for them to go to Istanbul and then Israel. Shamosh tried to make same day or next day arrangements if he could. At times, the people were coming almost every day and each family member helped out. Harun’s wife, son and daughters often made the trip to Istanbul or did the shopping for clothing.

A separate operation began at the behest of Eddie “Whitey” Sitt from Brooklyn, New York. Hakham Shaul Cohen of Turkey was a friend of Sitt and told him what Harun was doing. In 1971, Sitt went to Turkey and offered to help. Sitt wanted the refugees to come to New York. By the mid to late 1970s, a separate operation developed whereby Sitt sent signals for families that wanted to go to New York. These were people who had families in New York and had been separated. Those refugees who wanted to go to New York had to pay their own way. The Jewish Agency only paid smugglers for the families going to Israel.

By 1979, the 70 lira fee became a thing of the past. About 1980, they switched the operation to Antakya, where the Jemals, Esther’s family lived. Iskenderun became too dangerous for the refugees. Antakya is about 35 miles from Iskenderun but closer to Aleppo. Refugees went to the police station in Antakya, declared themselves to be refugees from Syria who wanted to go to Israel. The police sent them to a State Department office and Harun Shamosh was asked to handle their transportation to Israel.

By 1986, there were fewer people escaping Syria. But Mossad wanted him to stay until 1992. Harun would meet Mossad agents in the Dan Tel Aviv and Harun would give them reports. There are 60 years of reports about the Shamosh family and their work with the Syrians who escaped.

Harun and Esther emigrated to New York in 1992, the year of the exodus when Syrian President Hafez al-Assad lifted the prohibition on travel.

¹ Based on interviews with Harun and Esther Shamosh with daughter Rutie Haser on April 2024; Jack Imir on December 31, 2023; Harun and Esther Shamosh with daughter Nurit Sousson on June1, 2024 and October 9, 2024

² Author has no confirmation from Mossad. However multiple sources interviewed for this book noted the role of Mossad in Turkey and in Lebanon for assisting escaping Syrian Jews.

A genealogist and historian, Sarina Roffé is the author of Branching Out from Sepharad (Sephardic Heritage Project, 2017). A version of this article will be included in her upcoming book: Syria – Paths to Freedom. Sarina holds a BA in Journalism, and MA in Jewish Studies and an MBA.

Michelle Safdieh, Nicole Levy & Claudine Bennaim

It’s been six months since we’ve said goodbye to our parents. There has been a lot of thinking, reminiscing, crying, and laughing. We’ve sifted through old photographs and memories, trying to make sense of how we got here. While the pain remains strong and very real, we’ve also come to realize just how lucky we were—and still are. This tribute is a reflection on that journey, honoring the values our parents imparted and the closeness of our family.

From a young age, Mom and Dad emphasized the importance of being polite, courteous, caring, and respectful. This wasn’t just any “run-of-the-mill” res­pect. If a friend or relative entered the room, we would jump up like jack-in-the-boxes to promptly kiss them on both cheeks. For friends or older cousins, we referred to them as “Aunt” or “Uncle.” Although it may have been considered “old fashioned”, it was a testament to the importance our parents placed on acknowledging and respecting those around us.

Proper etiquette was paramount, especially in how we set the table. I think Mom must have mentioned Emily Post at least once a week. We didn’t know why Emily Post got to decide how you must set the table; she just did. This dedication to decorum instilled in us a sense of order and respect for tradition, even if it sometimes felt a bit strict.

The warmth and friendliness of our parents extended beyond our immediate family. Every housekeeper, worker, the concierge from Florida, hairdressers, manicurists, and healthcare aides showed immense care, sorrow, and willingness to help when they came to pay their condolences. This was a reflection of how warmly our parents treated everyone they met. Their kindness and respect left a lasting impact on those around them.

Our parents spent most of their time together. They would go shopping, run errands, and dine out together. While it may not have been Dad’s favorite pastime to run errands, he was always eager to help and make sure Mom was taken care of. That was what mattered most to him—so much so that he was even known to carry her handbag for her.

One sentiment we constantly heard from visitors was how close our family was. We never thought it was extraordinary, but considering our parents spent over seven months each year in Florida for the past 20+ years, we realized how special it truly was. Our children are more like siblings than cousins, always looking forward to spending time together. This is a testament to the strong family bonds our parents nurtured. We once asked our dad how he felt about only having girls, mom said he actually prayed to have girls, and it showed. He was always the dad who would do the late night or early morning carpool. He loved taking care of and helping us and never asked for anything in return.

Visiting Grandma and Grandpa was never a chore for the kids. Each grandchild and their spouses had their own unique relationship with them. There was always laughter, recipes explained while something baked in the oven, discussions about current events and heartfelt interest in whatever was happening in their lives. And when the great-grandchildren visited, they would drop whatever they were doing. Nothing gave them more joy than those visits.

Friends liked to compare their love to a romantic movie, calling it the greatest love story. We would laugh because, even when they bickered, it was comical. But beneath the humor, we always knew they shared a great love and deep respect for each other.

During their last days, each was more worried about the other than about their own health. Watching them say their final goodbyes over FaceTime was torturous, yet deeply heartwarming. The love they had for each other was palpable.

Mom would always tell us that she would never be able to live without our dad. He was everything to her. When dad started to decline, we were so afraid to tell her. Somehow, deep down, we got the feeling that she already knew. Although she wasn’t critical or terminal, she passed quietly, after the whole family had come to visit, on Sunday, Purim day.

Navigating between two hospitals was incredibly difficult for us. It was extremely hard to be in both places at once. But then Ronnie and Sammy, their sons-in-law, immediately sat by Dad’s bedside, sleeping there for two days until Mom’s funeral. Dad passed away the day after Mom’s funeral, but he made sure to wait for his grandson Isaac to return from Israel.

We were so fortunate to have the entire family together with the support and guidance of Rabbi Shelby. It was the most beautiful, special closure we could have hoped for and we will always be forever grateful to the Rabbi. Their grandson Aaron had the opportunity to read Shir HaShirim for each of them, which was the most moving experience. We are very grateful to the Rabbi for giving us this gift.

As we continue to navigate this new chapter, we hold onto the enduring legacy of our parents’ values and the strength of our family bond. We feel fortunate for the time spent together and the lasting impact our parents had on everyone who knew them. Their love and teachings will continue to guide us, reminding us of how truly lucky we are. And although it took us all these months to process the enormity of our loss, there is also a feeling of peace, knowing they are together, still looking out for each other. Not a day goes by that they aren’t mentioned and praised for the life lessons they imparted to us and tried so very hard to prepare us for.

With Rosh Hashanah approaching, we are so grateful to have all mom’s recipe cards (approx. 30 boxes). It just would’ve helped to have the Berakhot narrowed down to which recipe was truly her favorite, and some accurate ingredient measurements!

We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have them as our role models. Everyone should be as fortunate to have a love story like theirs. May their memories continue to have an abundance of blessings.

Michelle Safdieh, Nicole Levy & Claudine Bennaim are members of the Sephardic Community.