End of a generous life
HUNDREDS of people from across Melbourne's Jewish community paid tribute to philanthropist and Adass Israel stalwart Izzy Herzog, who passed away on Monday, aged 76.
HUNDREDS of people from across Melbourne’s Jewish community paid tribute to philanthropist and Adass Israel stalwart Izzy Herzog, who passed away on Monday, aged 76.
Born in Verball, Slovakia, Herzog survived the Holocaust in hiding; his mother, Chaya, perished in Auschwitz. Together with his father Menachem and brothers, he arrived in Australia in 1949.
The Herzogs settled in Carlton. And it was already in those Carlton days that the young Izzy Herzog began to display the charitable traits that would be his hallmark in later years.
“From the time Izzy Herzog arrived in Melbourne with his family following World War II, he was an integral and vital part of the Adass community,” Adass Israel president Benjamin Koppel said this week.
Many Jewish immigrants recall the assistance he provided them; aged 14 he would ride his bike around Carlton on erev Shabbat delivering food and other goods to people in need.
In 1962, Izzy established First Auto Wholesalers a company now managed by his sons, which specialises in prestige vehicles. Even his business interests became a part of his philanthropic and communal work — many a bride and groom had their first travels together in a car made available by his company in exchange for a charitable donation.
In more recent years, Herzog, a successful businessman, was a major supporter of the Adass Israel, Yeshivah and Kollel Bet HaTalmud communities.
“He was respected and beloved by all for his extraordinary heart of gold and his legendary tzedakah and chesed to all. His door and heart were always open to all — not only in the Adass and wider Jewish community — but also in the Australian business world,” Koppel said.
He served two two-year terms as president of Melbourne’s Adass Israel congregation, as well as 25 years as president of its Chevra Kadisha.
Beyond the Orthodox community, many a backpacker seen in the street was surprised to be stopped by Herzog, asked how he was faring, and given a small amount of money to help him on his way.
In 2001, he was named a Member of the Order of Australia for services to the community.
His four children follow in their father’s footsteps: Reuven had intensive involvement with the Hatzolah medical service, Yossi is on the board of the Adass Israel community, Vicki, a psychologist, has been honoured by the Australian Government for her contribution to the community, while Ilana is involved with the Yeshivah Centre.
Izzy is survived by his wife Mary and four children.
“With his outstanding integrity and graciousness he created a kiddush Hashem wherever he was.
“His sad passing has brought to an end an era in our community and the loss is irreplaceable,” Koppel said.
YOSSI ARON
PHOTO: Izzy Herzog passed away aged 76 after a battle with cancer. Photo: AJN.
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