Dear friends,
It is my sad duty to inform you that our beloved president Mordecai Ben-Porat passed away last night at the age of 98 years.
We lost a giant, a man of deeds, a courageous fighter, a pioneer marching before the camp, a genuine lover of his country and people.
Mordecai was among the very few who organized the big Aliyah from Iraq, risking his own life. He served as a mayor of Or-Yehuda, as a Knesset member, and as a minister in the government of Israel.
A man with a vision who foresaw the need to preserve and spread our ancient and celebrated heritage. Together with a few friends he founded the Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center in Or-Yehuda, a former transit camp (Ma’abara) of immigrants from Iraq. Over the last few years his physical state deteriorated, but he insisted of coming to the Center at least once a week, and participating in the events held there. A few days before his death he told us that whenever he comes to the Center, his heart is enlightened with content and joy.
His contribution to the country and to the community is invaluable.
We loved him so much, and we shall miss him a lot.
The funeral will be held tomorrow (Tuesday, January 4, 2022) at 1:30pm in the Holon Cemetery.
May his memory be blessed forever!