Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Emigrated from Tokmak, Ukraine as smallpox stricken unaccompanied 10 year old to escape anti-Jewish pogroms following Russian Revolution. Passage partially funded by 2 Uncles already in Australia operating drapery business at Rainbow via Jeparit. Had to break his journey twice due lack of funds for continuing ship's passage - once for 6 months at Istanbul, also at Pt Said where he was supported by local Jewish communities. Worked in drapery business until closed in 1928, relocating to Melbourne. In meantime arranged for passage of his brother Sam before iron curtain came down severing all contact with family members until 1980's. Remained unmarried and enlisted after naturalisation 1941. Active service in New Guinea until 1946 returning to Mebourne working in his brother's textile factory Abbotsford (Melba Textiles). Married my widowed mother in an arranged marriage 1958. Returned to Soviet Union in 1980's to repatriate surviving family members. Very highly regarded by his RSL comrades. As his stepson still have his pocket sized Army issue field Hebrew prayerbook.