Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

On Sunday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m., former Jewish refugees from Arab countries will step before the microphone and share experiences they and their families lived as they sought freedom in the United States. This event will take place at Temple Israel, 50 S. Moss Road, Winter Springs.

 Following the screening of the film The Forgotten Jews they will share their stories, followed by a question and answer session. Among those participating are Azita Yashar and Solly Gabay Haber.

Yashar was born and educated in Tehran. Her early education was in public schools and a Hebrew day school for her high school years. In April 1979, Yashar, with her younger brother, left Iran to join older siblings in New York. Her mother, a teacher for more than 25 years, and her father, a textile merchant joined them a few moths later. No one has ever gone back.

Haber’s family history goes back to Spain, which they left in 1492. They finally settled in the Ottoman Empire. Haber was born in Istanbul, Turkey. She attended an English high school for girls. The family spoke French, Ladino, Turkish and English. Haber immigrated to Israel in 1956 due to the uprising of the Turks against the Greeks and came to the United States in 1956.

This program is sponsored by the Temple Israel Adult Education Committee and Zionistas.  For information contact Sandi Solomon at 407-575-9899.or email sans Solomon @hotmail.com