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Israel bid farewell this weekend to its oldest citizen, Adele Samuelson, who passed away peacefully at her home in Emek Hefer on Saturday at the age of 111.
Born in Lithuania in 1914, Samuelson lived through more than a century of global change. Her life journey spanned continents and eras—from pre-war Europe to the founding and flourishing of modern Israel.
Samuelson was deeply admired in her community for her energy, independence, and unwavering positivity. Even past her 100th birthday, she was known to walk along the beach each morning, greeting the world with a smile and youthful vigor.
Her early years were shaped by the turmoil of 20th-century Europe. As the threat of Nazism grew, she left Lithuania and relocated to South Africa, where she started a family and built a long career in public administration.
Years later, she immigrated to Israel, where she settled in the country’s central region. Samuelson worked for several decades at Tel Aviv University, serving in the office of the president—a role she held until the age of 86 before finally retiring.
Her grandchildren, Keren and Guy Gourfil, described her as “an extraordinary, hardworking, and purposeful woman” who believed in progress and perseverance.
“She worked all her life, believed in the future, and never complained,” they said. “She always sought ways to contribute to her surroundings and stay relevant.”
The family credited her longevity and vitality to her deep sense of love and belonging.
“She felt loved and appreciated,” her grandchildren added. “That, along with her kindness and positivity, was the driving force of her life.”
In 2020, the Emek Hefer Regional Council publicly congratulated Samuelson on her 106th birthday, calling her “a source of inspiration for a healthy and happy life.” Since then, she remained a cherished symbol of strength and community spirit.
With Samuelson’s passing, the title of Israel’s oldest person now belongs to Tzila Cohen of Netanya, aged 110 years and 335 days. She is followed by Miriam Bola-Levy (108) and Annie Shkolnik (108) from Tel Aviv, as well as Yehuda Aharon Videvsky (106).
Samuelson’s funeral took place on Saturday at the Michmoret Cemetery, where she was laid to rest beside her family. Her long life, marked by endurance, compassion, and optimism, continues to serve as an example to all who knew her.
For many in Emek Hefer and beyond, Adele Samuelson’s century-spanning legacy is not merely one of longevity, but of a life lived with grace, gratitude, and unyielding purpose.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members