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80 Years of Devotion, Determination & Leadership

Conrad: 80 Years of Devotion, Determination and Leadership A Legacy Live Production by JRoots Director: Rabbi Naftali Schiff Project Management, Compilation and Editing: Danny Verbov

We thank

Conrad, Ruth and the rest of the family for their time, patience, cooperation and hospitality during the preparation of this book.

Layout, Design and Production: Studio Bat-Ami Cover Photo and Portraits: Shachar Cohen

‫ׁ ִשיר ַה ּ ַמ ֲעלוֹ ת‬ .‫הוה ַהה ֵֹל ְך ִ ּב ְד ָר ָכיו‬ ָ ‫ַא ׁ ְש ֵרי ָּכל ְי ֵרא ְי‬

A Song of Ascents. Praiseworthy is everyone who fears G-d,

.‫ֹאכל ַא ׁ ְש ֶר ָיך ְוטוֹ ב ָל ְך‬ ֵ ‫ְי ִג ַיע ַּכ ּ ֶפ ָיך ִּכי ת‬

who walks in His ways. When you eat the labour of your hands, you are praiseworthy

‫ֶא ׁ ְש ְּת ָך ְּכ ֶג ֶפן ּפ ִֹר ָ ּיה ְ ּב ַי ְר ְּכ ֵתי ֵב ֶית ָך‬ .‫ָ ּב ֶנ ָיך ִּכ ׁ ְש ִת ֵלי ֵז ִיתים ָס ִביב ְל ׁ ֻש ְל ָח ֶנ ָך‬ .‫הוה‬ ָ ‫ ְי ֵרא ְי‬ ‫ִה ֵּנה ִכי ֵכן ְיב ַֹר ְך ָ ּג ֶבר‬ .‫הוה ִמ ִ ּצ ּיוֹ ן ו ְּר ֵאה ְ ּבטוּב ְירו ׁ ָּש ִָלם כּ ֹל ְי ֵמי ַח ֶ ּייך‬ ָ ‫ְי ָב ֶר ְכ ָך ְי‬ .‫ש ָר ֵאל‬ ׂ ְ ‫ו ְּר ֵאה ָב ִנים ְל ָב ֶנ ָיך ׁ ָשלוֹ ם ַעל ִי‬ ‫תהילים קכח‬

and all is well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the inner chambers of your home, your children shall be like olive shoots around your table. Behold! For so is blessed the man who fears G-d. May G-d bless you from Zion and may you gaze upon the goodness of Jerusalem all the days of your life. And may you see children of your children and peace upon Israel. Psalm 128

80 Years

1932 Born, Stamford Hill, London 1932-1937 Highgate Children’s Home 1937-1942 Norwood Orphanage 1945 Bar Mitzvah at St. John’s Wood Synagogue 1944-1948+ Joined Golders Green Jewish Youth Club. Became a youth leader 1946 Worked for my brother’s ladies wear manufacturing company 1946-56 Joined the Morrison Group 1953 Founded Younger JNF with Trevor Chinn 1956 First trip to Israel, with John Wagner 1956 Co-founded British Friends of Bar Ilan University 1956-1962 Joined Wallis as General Manager 1960 Made first investment in Israel, a ladies clothing shop at 33 Jaffa Road 1963 Married Ruth Corman 1964 Bought Somertons of Harrow 1964 Sara Jo born 1966 Elizabeth born 1969 David born 1970 The first of several visits to the Lubavitcher Rebbe 1974 Completed the writing of a Sefer Torah for St. John’s Wood Synagogue 1978 Bought our Yemin Moshe home in Jerusalem 1973-1978 Dinner Chairman, Lubavitch UK 1980 Partnered 80% and financed Sodapop Israel 1982 Began “Angeling”, investing in musicals 1984 Launched The Wakebourne Group (Laptop computers) 1984-1994 Founder and Chairman, Israel Bonds 1985-1997 Treasurer, Jews College, London 1986 Sodapop became SodaStream 1987 Co-founded Marriott Clothing Group 1987 Moved to 90 Northgate 1989-1995 Chairman, British Friends of Kerem B’Yavneh 1989 Sara Jo married Shlomo Ben Zvi (Goldblum) 1989-2010 Founder and Governor, Immanuel College, London 1989 Joint Founder, Caribiner Group, USA

At a Glance

1990 First grandchild, Ayelet Ben-Zvi, born 1990 Liz married Michael Pushett 1991+ Involvement and investment in a wide variety of businesses 1990-1998 Vice-President, British Israel Chamber of Commerce 1990-2003 Chairman, British Friends of Boys Town Jerusalem 1990-2000 Executive Board member, British Friends of JCT 1991 Na’ama Ben-Zvi, Avital Pushett born 1991- 2006 Director, Carmel College 1993 Keren Pushett, Yehuda Ben-Zvi born 1993 Member of Advisory Board, Bank Mizrachi UK 1994 David married Karine Grunbaum 1995 Eitan Pushett born 1996 Natasha Morris, Yishai Ben-Zvi, Nadav Pushett born 1996-2000 Co-invested in a gold mining project in the Congo 1997 Anouchka Morris born 1998-2003 Partner promoting Lennox Lewis to become World Heavyweight Boxing Champion 1998-2008 Published “News from Eretz Yisrael”, a weekly newsletter countering anti-Israel media bias 1999-2009 Chairman, British Friends of Bar Ilan University and member of Israel Board of Trustees 2000 Nachshon Ben-Zvi born 2001 Jonah Morris born 2002 Aviya Ben-Zvi born 2003 Founding member and Trustee, British Friends of the Arad Foundation Trust 2004 Oriya Pushett born 2005 Chiara Morris born 2005 Honorary Doctorate from Bar Ilan University in recognition of 50 years of devoted service 2007 Joint Founding Trustee, Centre for Jewish Life (CJL) 2010 Retired. Became UK non-resident and moved to Israel 2010 SodaStream floated on the NASDAQ 2010+ Deeply involved in the Morris Family Charitable Trust 2010+ Chairman, Makor Rishon Group, Israel 2011 Co-sponsorship and dedication of Bar Ilan University Medical School in Tzfat 2012 Celebrated 80 years of devotion, determination and leadership

Introduction T

here are two preludes to the compilation of this book

and the Legacy Live film we are producing to mark Conrad’s 80th birthday. One dates back to the first time I went to Conrad to ask for support for a communal project. When John Corre and I came to see him, he used that dreaded word no fundraiser wants to hear – “overcommitted”. However, within 30 seconds he of course reconsidered and said something like, “Well if I don’t lead in this, who will?” Conrad then proceeded to pledge his own generous support and showed us how to make the whole project

Rabbi Naftali Schiff – Director, Aish UK, JRoots, Gift, FJL, Chazak, JLink. Sara Jo’s classmate, NWLJDS 1968-76 and family friend

B emakom she’ein Ish... Conrad so quintessentially Conrad -”bemakom she’ein anashim, hishtadel lihiyot ish” – where there are no men, make the effort to be a man – (Pirkei Avot 2:5). Conrad taught me then – and many times since – to stand up and be a man, irrespective of what others are doing.

when David simply said to me,

daily challenges. But there you were,

“You can’t give up. Conrad would

propped up in bed, laptop in gear,

kill us both!”

fundraising for Bar Ilan University!

Conrad, your resilience, your persistence in the face of adversity, your courage both personal and communal, is nothing short of legendary. You personify the accolade “stiff-necked Jew”. Peculiarly, God forgave our people in Biblical times because of this attribute. It takes meeting Conrad to begin to understand why that

We began chatting. I wanted to know what made Conrad Conrad. As your self-made tale unfolded, I nonchalantly asked you if your grandchildren knew your story and if anybody had recorded or interviewed you to pass on your values and pragmatic wisdom to

could be so. No doubt SodaStream’s

future generations.

Perhaps the most important

huge success is G-d’s humorous

attribute I have learned from

message to those of us rather

Both you and Ruth felt this exercise

Conrad is something David

weaker in spirit!

reminded me of last year.

The second prelude was when I

happen! This response to communal

Maintaining half a dozen charities

stopped by to visit you in Shaare

challenges typically represents one

during the worst recession in recent

Tzedek hospital last year. You were

of the most resolute examples of lay

times is no easy task. Part of me

clearly suffering acute pain, having

leadership I have witnessed and

wants to give up every day. I was in

broken a few ribs to add a little

an example of that which makes

one of those dark and lonely places

interest to your already substantial

was far too self indulgent. But I persisted (a trait I of course modelled after you!) Ruth told me that you only agreed to this production out of deference to our longstanding personal friendship! So here it is.

Dear Family Morris SJ, Liz, David and all I proudly present you with a genuine labour of love. For me this is far more than a tribute. Conrad, the Legacy Live Book and Film are my attempts to present your future Morris generations with a window into the soul of their Papa Conrad! In both the book and the film we have attempted to capture what it is – the values, the sense of mission and purpose, the outlook – that makes you the extraordinary man and devoted Jew you are. I hope we have done your great great-grandchildren a service in bringing you to them and I hope this 80th birthday gift will be treasured by a family, a community and a people blessed with the one and only Papa Conrad. With love and admiration, Naftali

Family Tree

Sarah Portugal

Eva

Sidney (Izzie – “Tiz”) Morris

Bessie (Baila) Cassen

Joe

Conrad

Sara Jo

Ayelet

Naama

Abraham Goldstein

Shlomo Ben-Zvi

Yehuda

Yishai

Nachshon

Elizabeth

Aviya

Avital

Eitan

Charles Corman

Molly

Joe Corman

Ruth

Charles

Michael Pushett z”l

Keren

Rachel

Nadav

David

Oriya

Natasha

Karine Grunbaum

Anouchka

Jonah

Chiara

“

1945

was a very memorable year for me.

It saw the end of those dreadful years of WWII. It was my Bar Mitzvah, and one year before I commenced my working life. It is indelibly implanted in my brain.

I ‫‏‬ f your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

‫‏‬John Quincy Adams

It was the year that I became aware that 6 million of our fellow Jews had been murdered, our people decimated, their remnants in the hundreds of thousands languishing in displaced persons camps scattered throughout Europe in desperate need of help. They were destined to become the lifeblood of the emerging State of Israel. Those 1945 headlines have haunted me ever since and motivated most of my lifetime of communal service and activities. As I developed from teenage into manhood, I came to realise that so long as we remain united, know who we are, where we come from and where we are going, our future will be strong and secure. Hence my life has concentrated on strengthening our Jewish identity, intensifying our Jewish education and establishing our people in Eretz Yisrael. From Conrad’s speech to the Friends of Bar Ilan University, March 2006.

Milestones 13

The Early Years I never knew my mother at all. She was ill when I was born in 1932 and she died in 1939, from what was described in those days as depression. It was probably something rather more significant but they didn’t know how to treat it so she died. My father was what was called a schneider. He was more out of a job than in a job and they were difficult days for him. He was a tailor by profession. I was actually closer to my elder brother, Joe – who was 10 years older than me – than I was to my dad. My mother was obviously a very special and wonderful person. I think her absence instilled in me a sense of understanding of my fellow man; a sense of wanting to do as much as I could to improve not only my own lot but the lot of those around me. My father was a very lovely man but with no particular ambitions and he was very happy to find another wife who

“

Middle: With my cousin Josephine and my brother Joe Right: With my cousins Josephine and Cynthia Facing page: With my father

anting to do as much as I could to improve not only my own lot but the lot of those around me.

Auntie Rae, Cynthia, my father and yours truly

I lived in various foster homes, all non-Jewish.

walking with him on Sundays and occasionally

My memories of those days were getting

to shul on Shabbat. We were traditional and

together with my fellow Norwood boys and

not religious at all.

kicking a football around, playing cricket,

My parents sent me to Highbury Home, a sort of live-in kindergarten, and then on to Norwood Orphanage.

all the usual stuff young kids get up to. But I always led the pack and I was the one that organised.

When I was about seven,

My dad remarried Milly, who lived in Stamford

we were evacuated from

Hill. By that time I had already left Norwood

Norwood to Hertford,

Orphanage (in 1942) and gone to live with my

just outside London, and

Aunt Kitty in Ivor Court in Baker Street.

On Giving

like getting involved in my charities. I suggest the direction they should take. I suggest they go and see this person and that person. But my most successful way of recommending is to write to somebody and say, “Listen, I have met Joe Bloggs. He’s doing great work and I would appreciate if you would give him the opportunity of presenting what he is doing to you. He has proved himself worthy of my support and I hope you will be impressed enough to make him worthy of your support.

“

looked after him beautifully. I remember

The Start of a Glittering Career

My brother was also living with Aunt Kitty at the time. He had lived with them when they were in Jamaica Street in the East End. He was like a brother to his cousins and when I moved in, I think we all lived in one bedroom. Must have been about five boys and we had a great time even though it was the middle of the war. We were scared the bombs might hit us but we never went down to the shelter! My dad asked me to come and live with them in Stamford Hill and I did. I had my Bar Mitzvah at St. John’s Wood shul. I also remember getting up very early to catch the train to Great Marlborough Street, where

the Morrison Group had their offices and a small warehouse.

started my career in the clothing manufacturing business. I was 14.

Before Morrisons, I started my career with my brother and his partner in the clothing manufacturing business. I was 14. That’s one of the reasons education has always been very important to me. I never had one. I started out at Morrisons as a hanger changer. I moved the clothes that came in from the manufacturers on cheap wooden hangers to nice shiny hangers for display in the stores. All day long. And putting a smooth plastic sheet over the hanger or the garment so it was well presented on the shop floor. Hymie Morrison, one of three brothers running the group, became my protector and sponsor and I really learnt my trade with the Morrisons. That was the start of my romance with retailing and clothing.

“

Auntie Rae was another of my mother’s sisters who also lived in Ivor Court, further down the corridor, with her husband Mark Franks, a lovely guy. I was very close to their two daughters – Cynthia, who was my age, and Josephine, a few years older.

On Business

ake sure you are fair in your business dealings. Pay your workers on time. Ego should not come into it. It’s how you conduct your life, whether in business, charity or in the community. I gave a lot of respect to other people and I received it back.

Rosser Chinn

My first salary was a princely £5 a week. That’s about £250 a year. It quickly went up to about £100 a week and I gave charity from the start. I didn’t learn that from my parents. My father always said to me, “You know Conrad, I’ll never understand you. Why do you bother with all this charity stuff? You’ve got yourself

“

Charity Begins… Where?

On Education

e have to ensure that every Jewish child knows from where they have come, to where they are going and to what they may aspire.

to look after. I will never understand you as long as I live”. He came from a generation so immersed in just trying to make a living. One of my earliest ventures was founding Younger JNF with

ducation was always very important to me. I never had one.

Trevor Chinn. Trevor had come down from Cambridge University and his wonderful father, Rosser, wanted some kind of a stabilizing influence for his then rather wild son. Trevor and I are the closest of friends to this day. We built up a network of young JNF activity covering the UK – Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester Birmingham and of course London. Later on in life, Rosser Chinn fulfilled the role my father never fulfilled. He had a very steadying influence on me, sitting and talking to me about what I was doing, how I was getting on and so on. I was very attached to him. Maybe because he

On Friendship

riendships are a beautiful treasure and the Almighty has blessed Ruth and I with many friends, whom we treasure with great love and affection… that my closest friends and I always find time together to celebrate each other’s smachot is to me one of life’s most precious joys.

“

embodied all the things I admired. He was a businessman, he gave his money and time and he asked other people to give money too. Quite possibly, my natural desire to give came from me being a child of the community – Highbury, Norwood, etc. I didn’t know what a real family life was until I moved in with my Aunt Kitty. I looked for the community and the community always responded. They were always there for me whether it was a Friday night dinner or just befriending a lonely young guy looking for company. Once I began travelling for work, I always sought out the Jewish community wherever I went. The Jewish people became my family. Another of my closest friends today is Martin Green. In those days he lived in Hale in Manchester. I spent many a Friday night meal enjoying the Green hospitality. And similarly in Glasgow with the Morrison family and in Cardiff with the Rivlins. Later, my mother-in-law, bless her, was very generous and always responded to my needs and requests. She never let me down at any time. Another fine example to follow.

Balancing Sara Jo down St. John’s Wood High Street

Moving On, Growing Up After a while I moved from Stamford Hill to

room in St. Marks Street in the East End, in our

Bowford Park, near Henly’s Corner. That was

big warehouse.

much more convenient for me because by then I was very active in the Golders Green Synagogue Club, not far from there.

had the Morrison brothers not sold out to Sir Isaac Wolfson. I was head hunted by another

know some lovely people. The club was like my

friend, John Stirling, who was working for

family. I didn’t have much in common with my

Wallis Shops, an independent group of 50 or 60

dad or with Milly and my brother was 10 years

shops specializing in couture copies.

club contemporaries. I still have friends who were with me in Golders Green.

hen a Jew concerns himself with communal problems – G-d’s problems as it were – he thereby receives G-d’s blessings for the good resolution of his personal problems.

department. I probably wouldn’t have left at all

I spent some wonderful years there and got to

older than me so I felt most at home with my

I was in charge of the women’s rainwear

Every season our designers would go over to the fashion show in Paris where they would remember the shape and stitches of almost any

I organised most of the cultural events. Once

garment they saw. They would come

– when we were putting on a musical – they

back and reproduce that garment

placed me behind a closed curtain on the

to the stitch. Wallis Shops

stage and I sang. I had a very pleasant soprano

became known for their classy

voice in those days. When the curtains opened

reproductions of Dior, Chanel

everybody expected to see a woman but they

and the like.

saw me instead!

So there I was. Hard working,

I stayed at Morrisons until I was about 24,

seven days a week, General

progressing from changing hangers to helping

Manager of the Wallis Fashion

out in the shops on Saturdays. It didn’t bother me

Group and deeply involved every

then. I was eventually promoted to an executive

spare moment in Jewish community

role which meant I could eat in the plush dining

activities.

(The Rebbe, in a letter to Conrad, 1975)

Dedicating a Sefer Torah in Otniel

Romance in the Air I worked there until I was 30. At the same time

The Almighty hadn’t yet brought me to the land

as well as a committed one! It added – and still

I was wooing Ruth and we got married when I

of milk and honey but he had brought me into a

adds – a whole new dimension to my being. This

was 31. That was probably the craziest thing I’ve

wonderful family.

rare, unique young lady had entered my busy

ever done! I knew her already because her father was a manufacturer supplying the Morrison Group. Ruth would occasionally come and visit our warehouses in the East End. One evening I was walking up Great Titchfield Street when I saw her ahead of me. I caught her up and said,

warmth and affection of Ruth’s Mum and Dad. Joe Corman was a wonderfully warm, modest, charitable man and Molly’s love, warmth, hospitality, charity and concern for others knew

showed me I could achieve in six days what had previously taken seven! Both of us had dozens of people we wanted to invite to the wedding. I had so many people who

no bounds.

had befriended me and helped me as I grew up

Although I was a committed Jew, I had no

Molly knew even more! We were married in The

I knew Charles from my contacts with Jewish

knowledge of or affinity to religious observance.

Dorchester in December 1963 and thank G-d it

students so I said, “Okay. I’m coming with you.”

However, I knew that if I wanted to marry Ruth

was a pretty big place so we could accommodate

And I’ve been with her ever since!

I would have to change. So I became a frum Jew

all the guests.

“Hi Ruth, where are you going?” And she said, “To see my brother. He’s in hospital.”

For many years I had known and enjoyed the

life and made a mentsch out of me. She also

etting married was probably the craziest thing I’ve ever done!

in the community but Ruth and her mother

Taking the Leap Before we were married, I remember taking Ruth down to Richmond where I was contemplating buying a small department store. We talked about how we would modernise it, build a staircase and so on. I bought it together with my friend David Wolfson who was and still is very much my silent partner in many of our joint business ventures. From Richmond we went to Harrow and again I took Ruth with me to meet a couple, a family who had been involved with this store in Harrow for 100 years. It was important to take

We would continue to run the business. We eventually owned three stores in Harrow – furniture, menswear and women’s wear. I also opened a tiny shop called Rave no bigger than my study. I took more money per square foot than the best Marks and Spencer store at the time. It was always busy, full of attractive, interesting merchandise (which I purchased) and it became a Carnaby Street-like success story in Harrow. At this time, my brother’s business – also women’s clothing manufacture – got into

my wife to convince them that our intentions

trouble. So in addition to my own activities I

were honourable. We weren’t going to tear the

went to help him out and worked with him for

building down and start building office blocks.

a few years.

Consulting with Yehuda

“

On Risk

osing money in business does not necessarily mean you made

a mistake. You win some, you lose some. If you don’t try, you never get

anywhere. The only failure in business is failing to do something. Make a decision. Take the plunge. Jump in. Get involved. I don’t consider mistakes. I don’t even think about mistakes. Shimon Peres, President of Israel

e are where we belong. In Israel.

Planting Roots in Israel I bought my first shop in Israel in 1960, Klein, on Jaffa Street in Jerusalem. I still have it. I was one of the first investors on the Israeli scene. I bought it from a very old Jerusalem family called Schwartz and the store was famous for dresses, coats and suits. However, in those days the owner was expected to open and close the shop and collect the day’s takings. The concept of an absent owner was unusual in Israel at that time but we managed. [Sara Jo: After dad had made the shop part of the aliyah plan, he then decided to buy a house. But he didn’t just go and buy

About Purpose

hen I am asked, ”Who are you?” I am a Jew. ”Where are you from?” I am from a long line of ancestors who entered the land promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob 3,700 years ago. ”What do you do?” I work hard – and thank G-d successfully – to pay more than my tithes to help save worlds, as it says, ”Save one life and you have saved a whole world”. ”How do you do this?” I create partnerships with charitable organisations who are professionals reaching out to those who need help. My life has concentrated on intensifying our Jewish identity, strengthening our Jewish education and our people in Eretz Yisrael. Since the age of 14, part of every single day of my life has been devoted to these objectives.

“

Autobiographical Notes

an ordinary house. He had to choose Yemin Moshe, the neighbourhood that had been no-mans land until 1967, where people were shot at by Jordanian snipers and the only people living there were those with nowhere else to go. The gardens in front of the house were waste deep in rubbish and all the houses were dilapidated. Cyril Stein bought a house here and my father decided he was going to buy one too. It took them three years to finish the building. I remember coming every summer and spending a month in Herzliya and a week to Jerusalem. My parents would be busy dealing with burst pipes, a collapsed ceiling, changes in planning permission and I think I was 12 by the time we spent our first Pesach there. Mum had actually had an aliyah plan for 40 years! But now they had a business and they had a house. The only thing that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen so quickly was actually coming on aliyah!]

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

On Leadership

Yitzchak Shamir, Prime Minister of Israel

eaders care. They do it not for themselves but because they care.

he Rebbe found the core of the individual and sought to lay down the challenge and bring out the best the individual was capable of doing. Every time we met was a milestone in my life.

With Margaret Thatcher, Prime Minister of England

James Callaghan, Prime Minister of England (2nd from right), Lady Fisher and Rabbi Rackman

Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau, Chief Rabbi of Israel, and Rabbi Chaim Druckman, Yeshivot Bnei Akiva

With friends at the Cave of Machpela in Hevron

My dear friend, Lady Amelie Jakobovits

Receiving an Honorary Doctorate from Bar Ilan University

On Responsibility

-d helps me, I ‘help’ G-d.

I help Him by doing what He wants me to do. Being charitable. Looking after the Jewish people. Making sure they have a good education. Making sure they are cared for. Making sure that Israel is successful.

“

Branching Out Eventually, in the late 70s/early 80s, I began to wind down my retail operations in England. I was still running my stores in Harrow, Richmond, Croydon and elsewhere but I became more involved in other types of investments, such as early hi-tech and of course SodaStream.

Charity and communal activities – particularly

Dr. Schonfeld for a while

creating schools and advancing education – has

and

always been a very major part of my life. And

mining in the Congo. That

that’s what my kids saw as they were growing

was perhaps my biggest

up. Hamilton Terrace was a den of all kinds of

mistake in business. I had no

communal activity.

idea what I was getting into.

My first venture into hi-tech was a computer company – Wakebourne – that turned into a very large computer service company with

even

dabbled

I knew nothing about mining and the Congo was rife with corruption, bribery and worse.

contracts with clients like Trust House Forte

I spent time fundraising for Kerem B’Yavneh

and other hotel groups. That soon produced a

and of course became very involved with Israel

business in Harrow when at least a third of my

£25 million turnover. After that, I was involved

Bonds, the Fashion Group at the British Israel

week was spent in charitable activities in one

in a wide variety of things. I joined forces with

Chamber of Commerce and numerous other

form or another.

Ray Ingleby in the US at Caribiner, helped

businesses and causes.

There was a period when I was on my own in

All in all, the first 80 years have been a very satisfying start…

On Doing

oday it’s important to me to be doing. I enjoy life, I get myself around with help as much as I can and get on with it. I’ve always got on with things in my life so I continue to be a doer. As long as I can continue to be a doer I’ve got a sense of purpose. So I get up in the morning, go through my routine and sit down at my desk. Whether it’s having a shiur on the phone, going through my emails and responding to the many things that come across my desk all day long. As long as I can keep that going, we’ll be fine.

“

Ruthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family, with her great-grandmother, Sarah Portugal, her grandparents, Eva and Abraham Goldstein and her mother, Molly, in the middle row

Ruth

Family Memories

I The things I am most thankful for in my life are my wife and my children. They are my greatest treasures.

was born in 1938. My parents, Joe and Molly Corman, lived in Stamford Hill. Because of the war, my grandparents moved to Buxton, Derbyshire, in 1940 and my brother Charles and I moved in with them. My parents stayed close to their fashion manufacturing business. We had a nanny called Betty who adored my brother and hated me. At least thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what I thought at the time. My grandparents were Abraham and Eva Goldstein and my great-grandmother was Sarah Portugal, a very religious lady renowned for her charitable work in the East End. We named Sara Jo after her (Jo is after my father!) My grandfather originally had a grocery shop and imported chrein from Russia, turning it into a business that eventually was sold to Marilla.

I remember tremendous snow storms and lots of fun in Buxton. I didn’t feel the war or that I was missing anything in particular. There was a great big house with lots of cousins and grandparents and my parents came for weekends. We stayed there until 1942. Next stop was the West End, first Dorset House and then Barclay Court. I went to school in Gloucester Place until I was eight and a half, when we moved to Willesden and I attended North West London Jewish Day School in Minster Road.

Charles and I used to visit my grandmother in Edgware every Sunday. We would go on the 113 bus and received sixpence pocket money every time we went. My grandmother was born in England. She was a lovely little old lady with white hair and a black choker around her neck. Dad was one of about eight children, two of whom died young in tragic circumstances. He came from a poor

They were very strict and slapped us on the hand if we did anything wrong.

background and was very down to

We must have had a lot of refugees there too because I remember playing concentration camps with one of the girls.

earth. He didn’t want a bigger car than he needed. And one house was enough. I fondly remember that house, 48

My mother, Molly Goldstein, was known as “Two-Gun Molly” in her younger days because she was a very tough businesswoman. My father courted her for seven years because she couldn’t get married before her older sister. They ran away to Brighton and threatened to stay there unless they were allowed to get married. Helping Sara Jo move on in life...

Ruth with her parents and brother Charles

Aylestone Avenue, Willesden. It was a lovely house with a table tennis table, a billiard table, a tennis court and a fish pond. I felt very privileged. I wondered why I was always able to have what I wanted and didn’t have to wait for it or save up for it.

Ruth is a wonderful girl. The epitome of an Eishet Chayil in every single respect. She took me under her wing as a young, non-religious man and together we built something we can be very proud of.

Ruth as a child

or Youth Aliyah and both my parents were charitably minded and involved. They were on a committee called the Cricklewood Combined Charities and were also very involved in Shaare Zedek.

Ruth’s role is to be at my side throughout, in the tough times as well, whether in business or in health. She has accepted my state with no complaint and does everything she can to make me comfortable. She doesn’t want to opt out, she doesn’t opt out and she looks after me superbly. She has never let me down once.

“If you don’t give yourself you can’t get other people to give”. Conrad feels the same way. We were what you would call United Synagogue orthodox. We kept a kosher home, didn’t ride on Shabbat and went to shul on Shabbat. My parents wanted me to go to a good English school but I wanted to go to a Jewish school. So I went to Hasmonean and made some very good friends. They wanted me to be head girl but I wasn’t interested. I became sports captain instead. I had a wonderful time there, a lot of fun, but not much education. Dr Schonfeld – an imposing figure with a gingery beard – used to stride into assembly and hold everybody’s attention. He wasn’t a fanatically religious man at the time. He was quite happy for the girls to wear shorts and we had co-educational summer holiday camps. He had no problem with that. He did some wonderful work bringing refugees into England. My grandparents and parents were also involved and I remember hosting some refugees in our house. My mother was very involved in what was then Mizrachi

My mother was a fundraiser. She always said, “If you don’t give yourself you can’t get other people to give”. Conrad feels the same way. Whether he got it from her or he had it before I am not sure. I think he was giving money away before he had it.

Off to Work When I was very little, I wanted to be a dress designer and was forever cutting out patterns for little dolls. Later I wanted to be either a doctor or a teacher but then I decided I didn’t like women doctors so teaching became the goal. However, my parents held me to my aspirations and wanted me to go into the family coat and dress business. They sent me to technical school in Barratt Street to learn dressmaking and design.

Meeting Conrad

I was thrilled when I received my first wage packet. I could go out and use my own money to buy something. £5 a week gave me the thrill of independence!

Upon returning, I joined my father in his women’s clothing manufacturing business and asked my mother to retire which she did quite happily. I worked with my father until he passed away in 1961. I then continued running the business until my marriage.

I worked with my father in business for many years and he taught me everything there was to know. I also worked with my mother for a while but we didn’t get on too well. At some stage, I wrote to my cousins in New York saying, “You have always

Ruth and Molly

lived with my cousins in Far Rockaway

I was thrilled when I received my first wage packet. I could go out and use my own money to buy something. £5 a week gave me the thrill of independence!

and worked for a fashion firm on Long Island. I was having a great time. But then tragedy struck. My 37-year-old uncle was killed in car crash in Sicily. He was the baby of my mother’s family and one of her sisters had a nervous breakdown. My mother

wanted me to come and stay. Now is the time.” They contacted my parents who said yes, with pleasure. I applied for emigration papers, took a threemonth secretarial course and off I went on the Queen Elizabeth to New York. I

almost had one too. It was a very traumatic time. My parents said I should come home. Of course I did as I was told but only after travelling around the States for a month with a friend.

Conrad was a retailer at the time. He used to love going round shops, just looking at clothes. I hate shopping. At least for myself. I had actually met him when I was about 12. He was 18. My father – who sold coats to Morrisons and knew Conrad – took me to Morrisons to get a jacket and I met him there. It wasn’t until many years later when I was in business by myself and his brother worked across the road. One summer day he came out of the showroom, saw me and said, “Hello Miss Corman, where are you going?” I said, “I’m going to visit my brother in hospital”“Oh I’ll come with you. I know him”.

Molly, my dear mother-in-law, was a people person. She loved helping individuals whether it was working at the old age home, helping friends or whatever. She got involved at that very personal level, in a way I never could. She got involved with people. She inspired people. And she helped people. She would get down on the floor if she had to to wash somebody’s kitchen. I could never do that.

Ruth, I said to you on our wedding day – “However successful we may become, however constant our communal endeavours, these can never be complete without the balance of a full Jewish home life. Together we shall at all times maintain and further these great traditions that have been entrusted to us”.

So he joined me in visiting Charles after a varicose veins operation. And then he asked, “What are you doing this weekend?” “I’m supposed to be going to a wedding but I don’t really want to go”. And Conrad said, “That’s funny. I’m invited too. I don’t want to go either. I’ll take you out instead!” So we went to a film. And then he took me to Glyndebourne. And within a month he proposed to me. I said, “I

hardly know you. It’s much too soon.” We were engaged in September. I liked his aims in life – he was very involved in Israel and helping people. I was visiting a blind old lady in the East End and serving meals on wheels and he was quite happy to come with me. I liked his helpful, concerned attitude. He was also involved in The Charities Aid Committee which was raising funds for Younger JNF. Trevor Chinn was the Chairman and Conrad was the Vice-Chairman. He wasn’t at all religious at the time and he knew that if he wanted to come to us on Friday night he would have to stay over. So we found a camp bed for him and he slept in the lounge. He stopped working on Shabbat and even learnt to read Hebrew. He grew to learn, to accept and eventually to enjoy. Once we had children, it was completely a way of life and that was how he wanted to bring them up.

A “Yellow Day” at the beach with Sara Jo and Liz

Conrad is a very warm person and a devoted workaholic. Always has been.

When we were first married, we lived in a little flat next door to Chief Rabbi Brodie. Conrad didn’t go to work on a Shabbat anymore but he would have all the figures sent over after Shabbat and he would meticulously go through the numbers, sorting out which dresses and how many had been sold that particular day. He very rarely joined us on our two-week family holidays. He might come for a weekend but he was too busy running.

At David’s upsherin

He grew to learn, to accept and eventually to enjoy. Once we had children, it was completely a way of life and that was how he wanted to bring them up.

He was a Shabbat father. He would go to shul with the kids on Shabbat morning and they enjoyed that. Despite his absence from home, he was the big influence in sending the kids to Jewish schools. I almost decided to send them to non-Jewish schools because I felt I had not received a good education at Hasmonean. But Conrad put his foot down and said no. Chief Rabbi and Lady Jakobovits came and sat with us one evening until they completely persuaded me there was no choice. We also went with Chief Rabbi Jakobovits on a mission to Israel soon after the Six-Day War. It was very inspirational as we walked towards the Kotel.

The most important thing in my life, and what I wish for my children and grandchildren, is to be a caring individual.

Conrad went to help out in Israel whenever there was a war while I would help out in England. For example, during the Yom Kippur War I helped run the emergency Blood Bank in St. John’s Wood, collecting hundreds of pints of blood to ship to Israel.

The Important Things in Life I don’t think Conrad has ever given up on anybody or anything. Even if people are failures he will still give them a second, third and even fourth chance. And he never gives up on himself either. Conrad wants something, Conrad gets it. End of story. The most important thing in my life, and what I wish for my children and grandchildren, is to be a caring individual. I would like them to do good in the world and to be happy. I am happy if I can see the sun shining, go for a walk and look around at the sea, the flowers and the birds. I go out onto my balcony, gaze at the Old City Walls… what more could one ask for? Conrad is happiest raising big sums for his charity of the moment and getting people to give a good donation to one of his causes.

Ruth – our children are magnificent examples of how well you – as a true Eishet Chayil – have so successfully fulfilled those promises and still do. We have come through many trials and tribulations, smachot and happy times together – as friends, partners, counsellors and you are still my greatest love”.

After all, he’s only in business so he can give the money away...

Sara Jo “You shall – the Jewish people, be my own treasure.” Shemot 19:5

“Just as the treasures of the earth can never be exhausted, so too the treasures of virtue within the Jewish people.”

What have I learnt from you, Dad?

Well, working backwards, just from the last few years since your amputation and becoming a dialysis patient, you have shown us all the power of mind over matter. You have never for a moment relinquished control of your own life. You live where you want to live and do what you want to do, in spite of having, quite literally, one foot in the grave. And you’ve helped us learn to laugh at the blackest of black jokes, although I’ll refrain from mentioning your latest – and most drastic – endeavour in that field. You’re lucky to have Mum to look after your health and medical arrangements and do your worrying for you, leaving you ”free” to get on with living life instead of waiting it out.

You believe in making the most of what you have, enjoying your ability to give – to charity, to your children, to your grandchildren – instead of holding on tight to your money, as so many other people do, leaving it for their descendants to use it or lose it. For those people it’s too late for either side to enjoy either the warmth of giving or the gratitude that should go with receiving. For you, giving is a whole philosophy. Here are some of its constituents:

Thought You think things through, ask pertinent questions, help everyone with advice, to the best of your ability. You don’t just give; you think how your giving can be effective and lasting, most of all by giving other people the opportunity to give too. You’re not asking them for a favour, you’re giving them a gift – the opportunity to be a giver too. And that is probably why you’re such a successful fundraiser. Because you know that giving is one of the paths to happiness.

Friendship This is a lifelong investment for you. You go the whole way for your friends. You help them where the y wouldn’t have – or didn’t – help you, with never a thought for the lack of reciprocity. Because giving for you is just that.

knew that if that was my commitment,

I can live up to your standard of goals

from you, Dad, and they have shaped

you would always be ready to help me.

and dreams. Chances are this won’t

my life:

I am because of you. Mum did all the

You don’t do things by halves, Dad. If

us and making us menschen. But you

you believe in something, it makes you

shaped my ideals.

proactive in that cause, whether it’s

ulterior motive.

the Israel Chamber of Commerce and

and not take. Without calculation, spontaneously and with your whole

developing business in this country, Judea and Samaria or Israel’s pitiful anti-propaganda machine. Wherever

heart.

you felt nothing was being done,

Hospitality

Fashion Week, News from Eretz Yisrael…

you started doing something. Israel

Something I don’t do on anything like

your commitments went on for years,

your scale and wish I could, and for

involving everyone around you.

which you also owe a considerable debt to Mum. When I came home on Friday

Dad, I know that I am who and what

Passionate Idealism

Giving for giving’s sake, with never an Feeling gratitude that you can give

Thirst for Knowledge

be the last word. If your willpower

hard work of raising us, disciplining

Wherever you felt nothing was being done, you started doing something. Israel Fashion Week, News from Eretz Yisrael… your commitments went on for years Many of the crucial choices of my life – where to live, even whom to marry, were subconsciously influenced by you.

nights from shul you would always ask,

This is reflected in your devotion to

”Who was there from out of town? Did

Jewish education, on which you largely

I brought you causes and you supported

missed out as a kid. I don’t think it’s a

them – as a teenager, a young adult and

coincidence that I’m first and foremost a

– to a much greater extent than either of

If you found them the next day in shul,

teacher. I remember thinking once that

us ever dreamed – in the last few years.

they invariably would come home with

as a teacher, my chances of financial

I only hope and pray that you need

But in the meantime, isn’t it nice to be

you for lunch.

independence would be small. Yet I

never be disappointed in me and that

appreciated?

you invite them? Are they coming for lunch tomorrow or for supper tonight?”

Two other things I think I’ve learnt

and determination are anything to go by, when you do finally hit meah and twantsig there’ll be many more lessons learned and much, much more to say.

Three generations at the Kotel: Conrad, Shlomo and Yishai

He took me aside and said, ”What’s the matter with you? Why can’t you decide? She’s not that bad you know”, which is rather a strange way to talk about your daughter.

I thought to myself, ”Oh no! What have I done now?”

Shlomo “I will give you the tablets of stone and the Torah and the commandments which I have written.” Shemot 24:12

“G-d’s first and everlasting love letter to the Jewish people.”

He took me aside and said, ”What’s the matter with you? Why can’t you decide? She’s not that bad you know”, which is rather a strange way to talk about your daughter.

Conrad genuinely loves giving.

So that was one of the deciding factors

He can’t stop giving because that’s how G-d made him. Hakodosh Boruch Hu

of course we did get married and I can

makes people in this world who are pipes with no scratches or inner flaws so

truly say that the most wonderful thing

when they get something it just flows through. Conrad is one of these special

about the Morris clan is its head.

people. My mother was like that too. The first real memory I have of Papa was when Sara Jo and I had been going out for two or three years and we were uncertain where it was going. Whenever Sara Jo decided she wanted to get married, I wasn’t sure and whenever I

in my calling it off! No joke. Eventually

They’re all special but he really is unique. You don’t find people like him these days because apart from his generosity there is another midda,

decided to get married, she wasn’t sure.

another special thing about Papa

I was invited to 90 Northgate and Conrad asked me to come into his study.

else I have met.

which is completely unlike anybody

His fidelity and friendship. How he treasures and nurtures friendship! He is a “rodef chaver”, which means he chases friends even when they don’t want to be chased. I have never seen anything like it! And it’s Hakodosh Boruch Hu’s midda as well because Hakodosh Boruch Hu always chases people and asks them to be close to Him even when they don’t think they want the closeness. And Conrad has that spontaneous midda which is very, very rare. I only wish that our children and Sara Jo and I can learn everything we can about those particular two middot because they are supremely important. If you learn them – and have even half the measure that Papa has – you too can become a very special person.

However, over the last two years, I have come to know a whole other person, one that maybe was there all the time, but I didn’t have the lenses to see and appreciate.

Liz Dear Dad,

“She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.” Mishlei 31:17

“Think good and it will be good.”

Isn’t it a shame that we only really come to know and appreciate people when either they or we go through hard times and we show our true colours? I don’t know why G-d made it work that way but that’s just how it is. For as long as I’ve known you, I have loved you just for being who you are. My Dad. Not for any of the things you have achieved, not for the money you raised or the organisations you helped, not for the businesses or people you invested in but simply for the consistency of being there all these years, never missing a Shabbat blessing or a birthday card (although you often weren’t there for my birthday...)

I never thought you would be able to overcome the challenges that came with losing a leg. You were so upset about having to have dialysis that when it happened I honestly thought you would not want to continue. But I was wrong... You have overcome the challenges so successfully that they barely seem to present an obstacle. There is nothing that you won’t do if you want to do it, nowhere that you won’t go, no task you won’t undertake. Your positive attitude is an incredible life lesson to us all and I am sure you will continue to be an inspiration to us, your children and your grandchildren well into the future.

‫בן שמונים לגבורה‬ To me you are a hero. Happy Birthday, with all my love,

Michael z”l (1959-2001)

Michael, my dear son-in-law, was a doer. He loved to build things. Schools. Synagogues. A very special guy. He was taken away when he was just 40, much too early. I know he will remain in the hearts of his children and his wife for lifetimes and be an inspiration to us all.

Liz

of the charity events. She gives him very

One of my fondest and most vivid

strong support on the outside and she

memories was going with Dad to see the

is very tough yet warm on the inside. She’s an excellent companion for my father and whenever Dad needed the support my mother was there for him. She’s an amazing lady who loves her children, loves her husband and follows

David

The partnership between Mum and Dad is very special.

“This is my G-d. I will build a sanctuary for him.” Shemot 15:2

“Where is G-d? Wherever you let Him in.”

Mum is very much about the house and Dad is very much about the town so Mum would look after us and the needs of the family whereas Dad would look after the wider community. Mum is always there for us whenever we need her.

him to the end of the world.

If there’s someone who needs me more than my children at the moment, I’ll go to help them because I know Ruth is there to look after the kids

I think anyone who is a lay leader caring deeply about the community is

film “The 39 Steps” in Leicester Square.

Dad is also there for us but I think at the same time he says, ”If there’s someone who needs me more than my children at the moment, I’ll go to help them because I know Ruth is there to look after the kids”.

always going to have to sacrifice part

I must have been about six years old. It

of his family life to look after the wider

was the night Liverpool beat Arsenal 1-0

community. We see it in the Torah

and they had an electronic scoreboard

My mother has always been the person who made the family run – at home, helping us with homework, making sure we went to school, etc. Dad was travelling a lot when we were younger and Mum was always by his side at all

too, from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob

in the square. It was a special night for

to Moses and all the others. Their own

me because it was one of the few nights

children didn’t necessarily come first.

I went out with my father...

So he has an inordinate capacity to love

He is passionate about ensuring that

people, even those who may not deserve

people have a balanced education. He

to be loved.

supported Emmanuel College and

Dad will never listen to mainstream. He will always listen to what he thinks is the right thing to do even if other people family life, social life, anything.

learn all day but he will very much

he made a decision early on to always

always gets things done. And he has a

help. He helps people whom others say

example, he could be in business with someone yet not be particularly happy with the way things are going. He will continue to trust the guy until he completely lets him down. He puts his faith in people. You have to trust in people because if

Torah im Derech Eretz. He is not going to support people who

Dad is a very determined man. He

He has a very forgiving heart. For

the kind of schools that would teach

do not – whether in charity, business,

One of the things he told me was that

long term outlook on life.

Menorah Grammar because they were

are not deserving of help. He’s helped a lot of people in the past and not just financially. He has always been there to help them, rebuild them and support

support people who want to get a PhD or young people who do not have the opportunity to go to university. Not only does he never give up but he never wants anyone else to give up either. You never give up on anyone.

them. When Dad went through tough

After he came out of the operation he

times, he had a lot of support from his

said to me, ”David what have you done

friends and he feels it’s very important

with my leg?” I said, ”I’ve taken it to

to help people when they are down

Bushey. It’s been buried in Bushey.”

when no one else is there to help them.

So he said, ”You see, I’ve got one foot

you don’t you will never get anything

Whereas many people put their efforts

done. You’ve always got to give people

into a new hospital, health projects

the benefit of the doubt that they are

or food banks, my father’s main

going to be doing the best thing for you

philanthropy work has always been

as well.

towards education.

in the grave already!” He’s very much like that. He’ll always find a bright side to a sad story and that’s part of his determination. He’ll never give up.

I used to complain that there were all

community? Can you do something

these guests at the table we had to talk

about it? Can you help other people?

to and all I wanted to do was to go to

Can you help institutions?

bed. Gradually I realised the beauty. They always have people around them. We’ve unconsciously tried to emulate that in our home too, always inviting guests and picking up anyone in shul

“She makes elegant coverings, her clothing is fine linen and purple wool. Her husband is well known in the gates, where he sits with the elders of the land.” Mishlei 31:22-23

“Miracles are all around us. We must open our eyes to see them.”

Karine Conrad is a fighter.

Whatever hits him he just keeps going, keeps coming back. Everybody else would have just given up but he doesn’t and I think we can all learn from that. No matter what hits you in life, you keep going, you keep optimistic, you don’t think about what’s wrong with you and you don’t feel sorry for yourself. You just keep going, keep moving, take a break when you feel weak and join the fray again when you feel better. I think coming to Israel has definitely been his salvation. The minute he landed in Israel, he was a different man. I’ve learnt a lot from Conrad and Ruth about hachnosos orchim. They’ve always got an open house and an open table. When my kids were babies,

who needs a place for a meal. I have learnt that from Ruth and Conrad because they do that all the time. I have also learnt about being involved in the community. I grew up in France and we were quite insular, minding our own business and getting on with life.

And I see it in David too. He wants

My father was a Holocaust survivor so

to be there for his family, he wants to

it was all about getting on with life and

make sure he doesn’t neglect them

making sure we were safe and secure.

and yet he feels a very strong duty

But then I moved into a family where everything was safe and secure so it was all about “now let’s look after the rest of the community”. The Morrises have taught me how to care for everybody

towards everybody else, whether it’s his extended family or the community. He feels he has to be there for everybody else. That’s definitely from his parents and I am learning that from him.

else, how to care about what’s going on

And we still have so much more to

around you. What’s going on in the

learn…

No matter what hits you in life, you keep going, you keep optimistic, you don’t think about what’s wrong with you and you don’t feel sorry for yourself.

Birkat Kohanim

The Priestly Blessing Conrad confers on his children and grandchildren every week

Yevarechecha Hashem May the Lord bless you

This means with possessions. There are possessions of things and of goods – and of talents and knowledge – as well as of special love and wonderful memories. May such possessions be yours in abundance.

Veyishmeracha and guard you

From all harm – as well as from all temptation – and from all the forces around us that try to tempt us away from service to G-d and to our fellow man, towards which your possessions should be dedicated and sanctified.

Ya’er Hashem Panav Eleicha May the Lord shine his face upon you With the blessings of the soul – of Torah so that your eyes shall be lit with the light of the Torah and your faces alight with happiness.

Veyichuneka and be gracious unto you

May the Almighty enhance your innate grace in such a way that you will always be blessed of man and G-d.

Yisa Hashem Panav Eleicha May the Lord lift his countenance to you with favour May the Almighty of Israel watch over you, guard you, shield you and shelter you in every step of your lives.

Veyasem Lecha Shalom and give you peace

May He crown all His blessings with the greatest blessing of all – peace of mind and heart, peace in each other and peace with all who know you and see your love and happiness together.

u o y e v o L We Whenever I would do a brochure for charity I would never just want a brochure that said “with the

a p a P

compliments of” or “best wishes from”… I want something that anyone can read and draw inspiration from. The quotes for the children and the grandchildren were chosen by Conrad and Ruth. They originally appeared in the Sparks brochure, which is indeed a source of great inspiration.

Ayelet Papa,

When you were

‫‏‬You have always been such a pillar of

suffering I saw

When I hear him making a phone

how much your

as so active, and such a doer, to be

strength to us all. You and Grandma

call, talking to somebody, it’s like the

friends did for

suddenly so paralysed. So out of it.

truly exemplify Ahavat Yisrael and the

whole world around him disappears

At first it was a real struggle to get

and he is just with that person, just

responsibility you take upon yourself

Papa to smile and be there with us.

with them. If I can only learn that

But then there were a few nights we

from Papa I will be very happy.

I flew into London just after Papa

that means we have to fight for

had the amputation. It was difficult

ourselves too.

to see someone I had always known

were singing together in the hospital and Papa started fighting. And he’s been fighting ever since.

no matter where I was, in the middle of the wilderness, Papa would

for the Jewish people has developed

‫‏‬Among the many things

a love and belonging to this country

in my life I must give you

that will last a lifetime and constantly

credit for is that your misfortune

push you towards action.

became my gain. As you know, it was

With appreciation, love and respect and lots of Kit Kats, whisky and lemon teas!

only at your bedside that I first met a

‫‏‬Your eldest granddaughter.

‫‏‬When it comes to charity, there is no

for having the amputation but I’m

“Miriam called out to the women, leading them in song with tambourines – sing and dance to G-d for very exalted is He – a horse and its rider He cast into the sea.”

saying that if it wasn’t for you —

Shemot 15:21

and these strange events that mock

“The pen is the pen of the heart, but music is the pen of the soul.”

physiotherapist. By the time I landed

somehow get hold of me to give me

greater example for me than yours

that bracha. Shabbat is not the same

and Grandma’s. I see the way my

without a bracha from Papa. I need it

parents struggle to keep to it and I

for the week.

know the hachnasat orchim at home

him a poster of all the grandchildren.

Savta used to say to me, “There are

has been handed down from you.

Faces of the whole family. It definitely

10 tzadikim in the world and your

‫‏‬I’ve heard so much about how much

our lives — I don’t know if I would

helped me at the time because I

grandfather is one of them”.

you help others and how much

have ever found the profession that

could see that it helped him carry

I always agreed with her.

everyone values you as a friend but I

so fascinates me and fills me with

on. He was fighting for us and

No question.

have seen the other side myself.

passion and determination.

He doesn’t give up. It makes me strong too because I always think his determination is there for us. When I was in London, he asked me to make

When I was in America, every week,

you too.

‫‏‬Music has always been something we see eye to eye on. Some of my favorite memories of us together are those wonderful musicals…

back in Israel I knew I wanted to be one! Of course I’m not thanking you

Naama

There are many things I have learnt from Papa but the most meaningful would probably be this: There is never a problem without a solution. No matter if it’s school or army, family or friends - or even clothes Papa always has an angle on the issue that makes the problem seem so simple and the solution so obvious. So if there is one thing I can take from Papa it would be to look at things from a different perspective, calmly and clearly, until the way forward just shines through. With all my love on a very special occasion. Naama

“And Devorah went with Barak (to wage war).” Shoftim 4:9 “The purpose of every human being is to serve his Creator and that is a service of great joy.”

Avital “And his sister (Miriam) stood far off to see what would happen to him. And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her ‘Go take the child to his mother to nurse him for me.’” Shemot 2:4 “A person is happy when he knows something worthwhile belongs to him. A person is very happy when he feels he is small and yet he owns something very great.”

Dear Papa, It hasn’t been easy, getting to where you are today. Many people would have given up long ago. I admire your strength, and your will to live even when it isn’t easy. Thank you for being a rock for us when it’s been hard, and for providing whenever we need. I’ve learnt a lot from you over the years, especially from the time when I worked for you. You persevere at everything, you see importance in being precise and accurate, and most importantly, you are patient at teaching me how to do things. I hope to get many more opportunities to learn from you. Please God we will get to spend many more good times together, in good health! I love you lots, Avital

“

Dear Papa, You are one of the people I most look up to and I have learned many things from you. The two most important things you have taught me are: Never to give up no matter what life hands you. Anyone can get anywhere in life if they really want to. Love you lots, Keren

“And Abraham said to his servant, ‘Do not take a Canaanite wife for my son… but to my land and birthplace... take a wife for my son for Isaac.” Bereishit 24:2-4

“If you are confident that G-d will help you, then why is misery and anxiety written all over your face? If you are truly confident, celebrate!”

Yehuda After I had started reading in English, I got into Rabbi Soloveitchik’s works and Papa had one book called Kol Dodi Dofek which I started reading with him. That was very special. It was already when he had the dialysis and I would go sit with him in the dialysis and we would read together for a while. We were once reading a passage in which Rav Soloveitchik talks about the ye’ud, the destiny of Am Yisrael, and I remember Papa taking the book from me and reading it out aloud himself.

“

Keren

There were tears streaming down his face because Rav Soloveitchik was saying all the things Papa really and deeply believes in.

“Abraham weighed the silver (in purchase from Efron the Hittite) and the field and (all within it) were made over to Abraham for a possession.” Bereishit 23:16 The first expression of the Jewish right to the Land of Israel.

Eitan

Papa, What I have learnt from you has helped me shape my life into what it is today. If it was by teaching me that family is always important or if it was that even after we lose someone, life goes on. You have taught me that no matter how messed up your life gets and how many times life knocks you down, you just have to get back up and carry on going no matter what.

“

That’s what you have taught me, Papa. I love you a lot and hope you have a fun birthday.

“David said to Saul – let no man’s heart fail because of him (Goliath). Your servant (David) will go and fight with this philistine.” Shmuel I 17:32 “Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.” Tehillim 126:5 “We must translate pain into action and tears into growth.”

Natasha

Papa is very special to each of us as he really makes time to spend with us. In London, he would always take us to theatres and out for meals, always making an effort to see us despite our busy schedules, and he never ever fails to call on Fridays to bless each and every one of us! Love, Natasha

“

You have taught me that giving charity is always important. It doesn’t matter how much or how little you give to a cause, you should always give something. Whether it’s help or money you should always give a hand.

“And the name of his wife was Avigail. She was a young woman of good understanding and fair of form then Avigail made haste and took two hundred loaves and two bottles of wine, prepared sheep, corn, raisins and figs. And David said, “Blessed be G-d of Israel who sent you this day to meet me.” Shmuel I 25:3, 18

“True happiness is the highest form of self-sacrifice. There, in that state, there is no sense of self – not even awareness that you are happy. True happiness is somewhere beyond knowing, beyond self. All the more so when you bring joy to others.”

Yishai

Dear Papa, There are many things I can learn from you. Generosity, joviality, caring for others and many more, but what I feel you embody most is determination. You see, whenever I think of the all too numerous accidents over the last few years, I realise that they were nearly all caused by your determination to be independent! Moreover, no one can argue that withstanding the many hardships you have had to endure doesn’t require extreme determination.

Nadav

Papa, Papa, Papa, what are we going to do with you? You're too good! I could say many things about you... about how giving you are, about how fun you are, about how you never let life bring you down and much more. But if I talked about all your good attributes we would be here for hours, if not days, so I'm just going to sum up everything you are in one word: ANGEL! You are G-d's gift to this world! Thank G-d you are here to make this world a better place. And I love you as much as I can! Nadav, your very loving grandson

“And Moshe said to the children of Israel, G-d has called by name Bezalel and has filled him with the spirit of G-d, in wisdom, understanding and knowledge and all manner of workmanship.” Shemot 35:30-31

“

So I would like to thank you for being such a fine example of such an important trait, for as I like to say, “If you refuse to lose, you can only win”.

“Therefore the land is called Bavel because in its place G-d confounded the language of all nations.” Bereishit 11:9

“The role of government is to balance communal and individual good. This is only possible when society is governed by the principles of morality and justice, and law and order, under one G-d.”

Anouchka

“

Papa always has time for us despite the million other things on his mind. He always plays gin rummy with us and when he was in London, he was always taking us to restaurants and the theatre. Love, Anouchka

Melachim I 10:1

“One who really cares is not placated by the fact that he has a good excuse. If the goal was not achieved it was not achieved, regardless of the excuse.”

“

“And when the Queen of Sheba heard of the fame of King Solomon and what he had done in the name of G-d, she came to prove him with riddles. And she said to the King it was a true report I heard in my own and of your acts and wisdom.”

I was surprised to hear that this year was your 80th

Bamibar Rabba 7:26

birthday. I thought you were only 74!

“When you and the path you have chosen get along just great, it’s hard to know whether your motives are sincere. But when you come across a path to do good, and this path goes against every sinew of your flesh and every cell in your brain, when you want only to flee and hide from it – do this. Then you shall know your motives are sincere.”

Nachshon

“As the Jewish people were standing before the Red Sea, they were discussing who should jump in. Nachshon jumped in first.”

Dear Papa,

You have taught me much in the past years and for that I am grateful. I’ve enjoyed playing all sorts of great games with you, most of all gin rummy. I can’t wait to beat you! You were lucky to have Grandma by your side all these years, to help you in all sorts of ways. I wish you a very happy birthday. Love, Nachshon

Jonah Papa,

you make me feel so special when I’m around you and the things that we did together in London are things I will never forget, like going to see The Lion King in the theatre and coming over to your apartment to watch James Bond films which was such a blast. Carrying on the Morris name is an honour and I hope I will carry the traditions of chesed that you have showed and Love, Jonah

“

“Then she (Avishag Hashunamit) said, ‘Did I desire a son from my Lord? Did I not say do not deceive me.’ Then she went in and fell at his feet and bowed herself to the ground and took up her son and went out.” Melachim II 4:28

“When G-d makes a miracle, it is so that afterwards we may look at the natural order of things and say, ‘I recognize this. This is not what it appears to be. This too is a miracle.’”

“

make you proud.

Aviya

“And Rivka said to Jacob her son saying… you should bring the animal and he should eat in order he shall bless you before his death.” Bereishit 27:6-7

“Make a part of your life an act that takes you beyond your bounds – helping people that are not part of your family or circle of friends, doing something that does not fit within your own selfdefinition. Escape yourself.

Papa is special because he doesn’t have two legs. And I like my Papa because he is kind. It is sad that he doesn’t have a leg but I am also happy because I get to help Grandma give him pills and help Grandma with him. Dear Papa, I have learned a lot from you... How not to cheat in games, especially gin rummy. I have learnt that you should always stay at the table until the end of the meal. I have lots and lots of fun with you and I wish you will be able to see the Bet Hamikdash and bring korbanot Love, Aviya

Oriya

Dear Papa, I love talking to you in our funny language. I wish you a happy 80th birthday and hope you will live to 1000! Lots of love, Oriya

“(Chana) was in bitterness of soul and prayed to G-d and wept bitterly (for a child). And in due course Chana conceived and bore a son and she called him Shmuel.”

Chiara Dear Papa,

I love it when you take me to The Lion King at the theatre. You are fun to play with but you are also very sleepy. I love coming to Israel and playing with Daisy in your office. I wish you a happy birthday and hope you get a new strong leg. Love, Chiara

Shmuel I 1:10,20

“One who returns from the darkness must bring of it with him and convert it to light. He must exploit his experience to surge higher and higher with greater strength. Therefore, the one who returns from a distance is greater than the one who was always close. What matters is not so much where you stand but with what force you are moving in which direction.”

“And there went a man (Amram) from the House of Levi and took a wife, a daughter of Levi (Yocheved). And the woman conceived and bore a son (Moshe) and she saw he was good.” Shemot 2:1-2 “Adam was the direct handiwork of G-d. No other human being could ever be as magnificent. Yet he had only one temptation to resist and he gave in. Which teaches us that the greatest challenges in life are those that are closest to your purpose of being. To the point that if you wish to know your central purpose in life, you need only look at where your greatest challenges are.”

‫ּ ִפ ָיה‪ָ ּ ,‬פ ְת ָחה ְב ָח ְכ ָמה ְותוֹ ַרת ֶח ֶסד ַעל ְל ׁשוֹ ָנ ּה‬ ‫ֹאכל‬ ‫צוֹ ִפ ָ ּיה ֲה ִליכוֹ ת ֵ ּב ָית ּה ְו ֶל ֶחם ַע ְצלוּת לֹא ת ֵ‬ ‫ָקמ ּו ָב ֶנ ָיה ַו ְי ַא ּׁ ְשרו ָּה ַ ּב ְע ָל ּה ַו ְי ַה ְל ָל ּה‬ ‫ַרבּ וֹ ת ָ ּבנוֹ ת ָע ׂש ּו ָח ִיל ְו ַא ְּת ָע ִלית ַעל ֻּכ ָּל ָנה‬

‫‪85‬‬

‫‪84‬‬

‫ וקנה לך חבר והוי דן את כל האדם לכף זכות‬,‫ עשה לך רב‬,‫יהושע בן פרחיה אומר‬ ‫ו‬:‫פרקי אבות א‬

‫ ‏‬ehoshua ben Perachia says: Provide a teacher for yourself, Y acquire a friend and give every person the benefit of the doubt. ‫‏‬Pirkei Avot 1:6

ther than one or two cases, I can’t recall anyone who went sour on me. My friends of 50 years ago are still my friends today.

Tributes

from Conrad's Friends and Colleagues

Dear

Conr

Dear Conrad, For decades – for a generation – as I was studying for the rabbinate and throughout the era of my predecessor Lord Jakobovits zt”l, you were the man in Anglo-Jewry who made things happen – quietly, never seeking attention or honour, and with a sense of duty and responsibility that was unique, impressive and surprising. Your contributions to the community, in education and support for Israel especially, were second to none. You were a transformative presence and Elaine and I counted it a privilege to know you as a cherished and beloved friend. Together with Ruth, you brought blessings to every project you undertook and whatever you undertook, you achieved. And now, in your beloved Yerushalayim, overlooking Migdal David, you and Ruth have come home to the place your heart always wanted you to be. Ben shemonim ligivurah – you have always demonstrated exceptional strength of character and spirit. May Hashem continue to bless you and may you continue to be a blessing to Am Yisrael, ,‫בברכה והוקרה וידידות חמה‬ Jonathan Sacks

After the Chief Rabbi, the tributes are in alphabetical order

Valerie and Alan Adler

We have been privileged to have been family friends for many years and to be there when your generosity and efforts for Bar Ilan University were recognized and you received your honorary doctorate. You have been an example of carrying out one of the greatest mitzvot, Matan BeSeter. Your life has been dedicated to your family and your community, and with the amazing partner Ruth has been for you, you have achieved Gevurah as a true hero. We wish you many happy healthy years ahead. May you be blessed to continue in strength ad meah v’esrim. Alan and Valerie

On Giving

don’t know if you can teach people to become givers but you can teach them to make their giving more significant. Everybody has a capability of giving but the aspiration to give is another matter.

“

Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks

Romi Alexander

Benny Begin MK

Conrad’s former Secretary

Dear Conrad, I do hope this letter finds you still smiling. I am writing to wish you a very Happy Birthday. Even though you now live far away and I can’t just drop by and say ‘hello’, I just want you to know that you are often in my thoughts and every time I think about the years I worked for you (September 1997 to September 2004) I have to smile. At first I thought ‘what have I let myself in for’ but as time went by I really began to appreciate your sense of humour – like when David wanted to change my pay schedule from weekly to monthly and how funny you found it when I said I couldn’t go for a month without pay as I only had 67p to my name. I don’t think you’d ever met anybody as penniless as me! Remember how Doreen annoyed you so much you made her work down the hallway in a room on her own. And how when you called Christine a moron, she took the dictionary, looked up the word moron, and proceeded to photocopy that page 100 times. No wonder she

was always dodging flying missiles coming at her across the office. I do hope you find the recollection of these events as amusing as I do. Great humour, Conrad – you often made me smile to myself in that office. And then of course, there was a constant stream of letters, emails, people turning up on your doorstep asking for financial help and I think you must have given more money to these people in a week than I would earn in five years. Anyway, I just wanted to share these memories with you on your special day, and to say ‘thank you’ for playing a part in my life. My life is richer for having known you.

first met Conrad Morris some twenty years ago, when I headed the Friends of the College of Judea and Samaria in Ariel. Today this school is already a University Center with a student body 6,000 strong, but at that time it was in its vulnerable, embryonic stage, under the auspices of Bar Ilan University. It was unknown, still a vague promise, and its location in Samaria was in deep political dispute. We looked for help in London, and we needed special people: Zionists, devoted to the cause of education, ready to commit themselves even to unpopular tasks, and highly esteemed within the London Jewish community.

Such people belong to a small and rare species, but Conrad was there for this special cause. With his modest, quiet and pleasant manner, and the many friends he knows and who trust his sound judgment, he was ready to lend a tender hand and to be of great help. Believing in the validity and significance of the mission, Conrad generously opened his door and helped us greatly in opening the doors of others. This is only one of his many important contributions to Jewish education, to the Jewish People and to the State of Israel. With deep appreciation, Z.B. Begin

Have a lovely day. Loads of love and a big hug from Romi XXX

Sir Trevor Chinn

Lionel Casper

One of Conrad’s great strengths is his tenacity; his ability to take a stand on a matter of principle, on an investment, on an educational plan, on a case of tzedakah... the list goes on and on. The point is if he goes for it, he will see it through. He will never back off. Years ago he took regular lessons in Ivrit. I think it’s fair to say that languages are not among his strong points. It was at one of his busiest times (by his standards!), when he was flying backwards and forwards to Israel and doing deals day and night. One day he arrived at our office for a morning meeting having arrived from London only a matter of hours earlier. As usual, he took charge of the proceedings. He welcomed everybody with a hearty “Boker Tov!” instead of the usual “Good Morning” grunt. Later we

heard a dismal report which left all of us in the dumps. Not so Conrad, who banged on the table and said, “Yihiyeh beseder!” – it’ll be okay! He had been brushing up his Hebrew on the flight over. His optimism in a foreign language encouraged all present. Behind all great men stand great women. In Conrad’s case a great lady. Ruth comes from a line of three generations of strong women and in her case it is sweetened by a marvellous nature and total loyalty. She has replaced the mythical ‘two guns’ and adopted some lovely qualities from her late father. She has strong character and a sense of fair play. Love to you all on your 80th,

Lionel

What annoys me about Conrad

is what I admire about Conrad – his obstinacy. Conrad is totally committed and nothing will shift him. As Cyril z”l said, ”If Conrad wasn’t so obstinate he would be dead.” Conrad and I have been friends for more than 55 years. We came together in creating Younger JNF which became a significant national organisation supporting Israel. Many people who are active in the British Jewish community around the country started their involvement in Younger JNF. Later we both became deeply involved in JIA. Conrad as a friend is someone who will always be there for you. You can totally rely on him. I have learnt from Conrad a sense of commitment in what you believe in however difficult it is. Both he and Cyril z”l are great examples of putting what they believe ahead of what is comfortable for them personally.

Ruth and Conrad are devoted to many causes and good works but their greatest claim to honour is that as well as being concerned with these causes they care so much about individual people. They demonstrate their warmth, love and generosity not only for the Jewish people as a whole but for individuals in particular. Both Conrad and Ruth, quietly, are good to people, help individuals in trouble and need and above all are good friends to have. The greatest tribute to them – far greater than any organisation can present – are their three wonderful children – Sara Jo, Elizabeth and David and the esteem in which they are held by their many friends. Susan and I wish Conrad and Ruth many more years of enjoying Jerusalem and their wonderful family. Trevor

Dear Conrad,

Smadar and David Cohen

Our best wishes

Congratulations on reaching “g’vurot”. Time has

to have been your partner, albeit small, in this

to Conrad on attaining 80.

flown since we first met on the Yom Kippur War

endeavour.

A courageous man, an ardent Zionist and a true

Campaign Committee and since then we have

Aside from business, I admire your consistent

friend of Am Yisrael.

had many opportunities to do things together.

focus on performing “ma’asim tovim”, and your

I very much appreciated your encouragement

forthright persistence in combating sickness and

when I commenced my investment activities

disability. You haven’t allowed this to hold you

here in Israel and then your invitation to assist

back.

you in the early days of SodaClub. During the subsequent years, we got to know each other very well and I can only say that it was a pleasure to be your colleague on the Soda Board. Your grasp of the detail combined with

Judith joins me in wishing you and Ruth many more years of active work for the good causes that you support and much joy and comfort from your ever growing family.

your ability to see the wheat from the chaff was most impressive. I am delighted that Soda has proven to be such success for you and honoured

“Ad Meah V’Esrim” Samuel

Smadar and David Cohen

On Doing the Right Thing

erry, make it clear. I am my own man. I do my own things. I have taken my own stand after long and careful deliberations and I took the action I felt I needed to take and I have done it. End of story.

“

Samuel Cohen

After resigning as Israel Bonds UK Campaign Chairman, in a

conversation with Jerry Lewis of the JC, April 1994

Charles Corman

Conrad, my brother-in-law...  50 years ago, when I was in hospital recovering from a minor operation, Conrad – then a virtual stranger – very kindly came to visit me. It was only later that I discovered that his ulterior motive was to meet my sister Ruth... and the rest is history.  In preparation for his wedding to Ruth, Conrad decided that he must do everything according to the book and accordingly he spent hours and hours and days and nights learning the Haftarah for his Aufruf under the watchful eye of Reverend Bryll, the leading Chazanut teacher of the day.  In order to monitor the progress of his first independent business venture, the fashion store Somertons of Harrow, Conrad – always the stickler for detail – would go through the figures (this was well before computers) on a daily basis for what seemed an infinite amount of time.  He has an amazing capacity for making friends and – more importantly – working hard to maintain those friendships, despite the pressures of time and the distances in space.

Tabby and John Corre

Conrad has always been a very generous  His intensely warm relationship with all his children and grandchildren. Nothing gives Conrad more pleasure than singing Zemirot on a Friday evening in his sweet voice with a houseful of children and grandchildren.  The legendary open house which Conrad and Ruth extend to so many visitors that no Visitors Book could ever record.

person, and is always the first to support a worthy cause. Conrad, we are delighted to be counted as part of your large circle of friends and admirers. We wish you a very happy 80th and hope that you will have good health in the coming years. Love, John and Tabby

 The courage, cheerfulness and bitachon with which Conrad encounters his many physical and medical challenges which would have overwhelmed almost anyone else.  His unique relationship with Ruth who accommodates his various wishes and whims with a quiet patience that has to be seen to be believed.  And finally, Conrad’s inability to say “no” to any person or organisation, deserving and sometimes not so deserving, who comes to him for help. Be well. Love, Charles

We have known Conrad for more than 45 years and I don’t know a person who has the energy to do all the things he does. His capacity for work is absolutely amazing. His working day starts early in the morning and goes on to late at night with only short breaks to eat. His devotion to the many charitable endeavours whilst running numerous business operations is really unbelievable. His charitable deeds do not only relate to the established charities but he will always support the individual in need and will never refuse an individual who has problems. He will champion the underdog whenever required and will never be afraid to support those whom the rest of the community have discarded. On a personal basis he will always be a loyal friend even when on occasions his friendship and loyalty has been abused. He always shows kindness to those who are sick or are unfortunately in mourning for a loved one. Despite his huge workload, he always has time to help when it is needed. If a friend needs a favour they only have to ask once. He certainly

lives up to the expression, “a busy man has time for everybody”. As a family man he has been blessed with a wife in Ruth who has devoted every minute of her life to his needs. She is “a woman in a million”. He is also completely devoted to his children and grandchildren. He can also be admired how he takes his Jewish way of life in a serious manner and he respects those who have a greater Jewish knowledge than himself. He is a really committed Jew. In the last few years he has been the victim of terrible health problems but one cannot do anything but admire the way he has coped. He has not let up from what he considers his mission in life and continues his extraordinary workload. Anne and I have enjoyed the friendship of both Ruth & Conrad and pray that this will continue for many more years in good health. Conrad, we trust that the Almighty will grant you another 40 years of joy, health and happiness together with that special wife and your children and grandchildren. Happy Birthday, Love,

Sheila and Stafford Fertleman

Have a wonderful celebration of your 80th birthday. We are all praying that you should enjoy many more years, together with Ruth and your wonderful family. May these years be spent in much better health. You are a truly remarkable and courageous man. A credit to your family and to the worldwide Jewish community. You are a tower of strength to all who call upon you. The world is a better place because of you. With respect and love, Sheila and Stafford

On Learning

’ll never stop learning from other people. You can always learn a tremendous amount from other people.

“

Anne and Stuart Dove

Anne and Stuart

Irene and Sheldon Fink

Ofir Fisher on behalf of the OR Movement

On Assimilation

oo many of the Jewish people are drifting away. And they don’t even realise it. You have to do all you can to eliminate or reduce intermarriage and assimilation. That kind of decimation of our people is inexcusable.

Among Conrad’s many merits, we believe the one that is outstanding is his unqualified loyalty to his friends, his family and his people. Irene and Sheldon

Conrad, We have known each other for almost a decade now and you have always been a strong and very dedicated partner to our organisation regarding the development of the Negev and the Galilee. It has been such a pleasure to get to know you over the last 10 years and hear some of your insights into the State of Israel, its future, and what is really important here. You are an inspiration to us all. Conrad, on behalf of our entire organisation, I wish you the happiest of birthdays and my sincerest Mazal Tov on reaching your 80th year. I hope that we will be able to continue in our partnership for the future of Israel until 120. Yom Huledet Sameach, The entire OR Movement Family

“

Hence Jewish education and knowledge of who we are, where we came from and where we are going is paramount.

100

101

Mickey Flaumenhaft

Conrad Morris is 80 years young.

The second are photos from the cornerstone laying for the new dormitories in Otniel this past year.

Where does one begin? I have had the pleasure of knowing him for over 40 years. In the years I had the privilege of working with him for Israel and the Jewish people, life was not dull, sometimes explosive but always caring and with love.

have managed to find two sets of photos of Conrad. The first is of him celebrating a Hachnasat Sefer Torah in Otniel over a decade ago.

I believe that these pictures say it all. The care and concern for both the spiritual and physical needs of Am Yisrael have obviously been the fundamentals upon which Conrad has lived his life. I would like to bless and wish Conrad that we shall have the opportunity to take many more photos of you in the future as you continue to build and revive Am Yisrael. Mickey Flaumenhaft Yeshivat Otniel

102

Tana and Alan Fox

His untiring energy and ideas stretched all of us to do more and better. At times infuriating, always inspirational, he was a leader AngloJewry was fortunate to have at some most challenging times. One could go on and never run out of good deeds or adjectives to describe Conrad. However, for me the memory that I will treasure is that on a number of occasions that I was

with him on Erev Shabbat, he would phone his grandchildren to bless them. As the phone was passed one to another, his love and pride of his family was a shining light which he also gave to Israel and the worldwide Jewish family. ”May Hashem bless you and keep you. May Hashem illuminate His countenance for you and be gracious to you. May Hashem turn his countenance to you and establish peace for you”. Have a wonderful birthday ad meah v’esrim Alan and Tana

103

David Geffen

Rabbi Yitzchak Ginsburgh Rosh Yeshiva, Od Yosef Chai

Mr Conrad Morris. I have never met a man who is so eager to help.

To our dearest friend and lover of Eretz Yisrael, Conrad Morris, on the occasion of your 80th birthday,

His pleasure is to help.

As we know from Chassidut, the rebuilding of Eretz Yisrael, both spiritually and

His joy of life is to help.

physically, is symbolised by the figure of Rachel Imeinu.

His meaning is to help.

In fact, the final word of Ma’aseh Bereishit is “la’asot” (to do), which Rashi

He is a shining example of an angel in this world. He is a role model of pure care. He is a precious gift from Hashem. David Geffen

explains means that the Almighty, in his loving-kindness, allows us to take part in the act of creation by investing our hearts and souls in its rectification. The numerical value of this final word, “la’asot” (‫ )לעשות‬is equal to that of the phrase used to describe the building of Eretz Yisrael, “binyan partzuf Rachel” (‫)בנין פרצוף רחל‬. Blessed is the man for whom all his actions, all his doing, are focused on the building of our nation’s body and soul. May the Aibeshter grant you good health and long life, and allow you to continue the work that is so dear to your heart. HaRav Yitzchak Ginsburgh

104

105

Nadia and Brian Glenville

Henry Goldblum

Conrad,

As a mechutan of more than 30 years and with

All this has become particularly noticeable now

we are so happy to see you celebrate your 80th birthday and with Hashem’s blessings to overcome your many medical challenges.

my brother being his colleague in youth work for

that Ruth and he have realized their dream of

double this time, it has been my mazal to have

Aliyah. Despite all difficulties, he enjoys so

known Conrad for some time!

much coming for Shabatot to his daughters

In the seven years Nadia and I have lived in Israel, whether we were out in Hevron or in Tel Aviv, in shul, community centre or university, we have seen the Morris stamp deeply embedded in the fabric of life here.

Whilst others can confirm his tremendous personal courage and devotion always

Your passion for this country creates a long lasting legacy for not just you but creates a path, a route map for your family to follow. This includes not just your many philanthropic projects but also commercial enterprises providing employment and profit for local people. In this context, it is important to note that your colour blindness for green ensures that you are totally unable to see the “Green Line” and you support endeavour throughout the country.

to the most important Jewish causes, I

Nadia joins me in wishing you and of course Ruth, who has played no small part in getting you to this point, a happy, healthy 80th birthday and, with G-d’s help, many more years ad 120.

world.

wish to acknowledge his closeness to his family, including each and every one of his grandchildren, ken yirbu. A particular example has been his insistence on

in my town Efrat from his lovely home in Jerusalem. I have therefore had the privilege on many occasions, not only attending shul and kiddush with him but especially at lunches afterwards where it has been a joy to see how his determination and love are shown to everybody present.

giving a bracha to them all before shabatot and

Wishing Ruth and Conrad to continue how to

chagim no matter where he or they are in the

teach us to live life – ad meah v’esrim. Henry Goldblum

Nadia and Brian

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Barbara and Stanley Green

On Coping with Pain

was once in the intensive care ward in London and I couldn’t sleep so I started a conversation with my soul. I said, “Let’s think a little together of where we are, what we’re doing, where we’re going, etc.” and we had an all-night conversation. We didn’t finish until the nurses came round to begin their morning routine.

“

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In Pirkei Avot, Rabbi Shimon says that there are three crowns – the crown of Torah, the crown of priesthood and the crown of royalty. But the crown of a good name exceeds them all. It is this crown of a shem tov, a good name, that Conrad has. He and Ruth have worked for this all their lives. Conrad is held in high regard socially, commercially and in charity both in his native England and Israel. The obtaining of a Shem Tov is a lifetime achievement and a tremendous inheritance for their children and grandchildren. We are privileged to know them. Happy Birthday! Barbara and Stanley

Martin Green

Apart from the usual comments about Conrad’s modesty, etc. and Ruth being such a caring wife, I remember Conrad in the fifties, when he used to come up to Manchester buying for I think Wallis. For a young chap he had a powerful position. When we used to holiday at the Green Park or Majestic Hotels in Bournemouth, he befriended me and introduced me to attractive girls and all his interesting London friends, including the Lubavitch movement and Faivish Vogel. I much appreciated that. The one thing I particularly noted was how after meeting Ruth he entered orthodoxy so easily. He is a good friend. Martin

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Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman Migdal Ohr Institutions

”A good heart” It is taught in the Chapters of the Fathers: ”Upon

All of this emanates from his good heart, as we

three things the world stands – Torah, Avodah

have learned in the Chapters of the Fathers:

(service), and acts of kindness”.

”Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai had five students

Each person is an entire world, as it is taught,

and he said to them, “Seek a path (or trait) for

”Whoever saves one life – it is as if he has saved

that which is upstanding, which a person should

an entire world”. We learn from this that each

cling to”.

person is indeed an entire world, and just as the

Rabbi Eliezer said, ”A good eye”.

world is dependent on these three things, so is

Rabbi Yehoshua said, ”A good friend”.

the complete individual.

Rabbi Yossi said, ”A good neighbour”.

My beloved friend, Mr. Conrad Morris, whom I have known for many years, has arrived at an important milestone. We are now privileged to celebrate with him his 80th birthday. He is a complete person who has excelled in these three areas.

Torah – Aside from his own learning, he has invested in the learning of thousands of children, of him the verse could be applied “(The Torah) is a tree of Life for those who embrace it, and those who support it (Torah) are delighted”.

Avodah (work or service) – The straightforward meaning of “work” is a person’s job, the deeper meaning is prayer.

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Conrad Morris fuses both interpretations together, and makes sure that Jewish children can find a vocation and support themselves with dignity, and at the same time these children are in an atmosphere where they can pray three times a day and observe the commandments.

Rabbi Shimon said, ”To see the outcome of things”.

Rabbi Elazar said, ”A good heart”. Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai said, ”I prefer Rabbi Elazar’s formulation for his formulation encapsulates everything the rest of you said”. When you have a good heart, you also possess a good eye and you are a good friend and a good neighbour. This I can attest about our beloved Conrad, from his good heart he builds his world based on Torah, Avodah and good deeds. I wish him in my name and in the name of the thousands of children of Migdal Ohr, that G-d grant him a long and happy life, filled with health and pleasure from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. May we merit to greet the Messiah together and

Acts of Kindness – To perform acts of kindness

witness the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the Holy

means to give of one’s self so one’s fellow man

Temple. May this come true speedily in our days

can benefit. The deeper meaning of ”chesed” is

– Amen!

love, to give to the other with love so that they feel love. Conrad has fused the two together and gives of himself, with love.

With much love, Your friend, who seeks your best at all times Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman

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Ruth and Nathan Grunbaum

Rabbi Sha’ar Yashuv HaCohen Founder, Ariel Institute

It is a an honour to have the opportunity to pay

Your indomitable spirit and positive attitude in

It is indeed a privilege and a pleasure to join

lay leader I know. Before he does something,

a personal tribute to you, our dear mechutan,

the face of adversity are an example to all with

the family and friends of Conrad Morris in

he studies it. He evaluates and he is very

Conrad, on the occasion of your milestone 80th

whom you come in contact.

celebrating his 80th birthday, ad meah v’esrim.

convincing because he applies his brain and

The love, care and interest you bestow

I believe that a leader is someone who leads

Birthday. We have only been part of your extended family for 18 years but your good name and reputation preceded you and we take great pride in being members!

upon your adored and adoring children and grandchildren knows no bounds… may you enjoy them for many many more years!

values of Eretz Yisrael, the Holy Land and he lives, he works, he contributes and makes other

meeting for the Ariel Institute at the Chief Rabbi’s house. I could not have described my work at Ariel better than he did!

contribute for Torat Yisrael, for the study of Torah

And for years he and his wonderful wife, Ruth, have been giving an example of what a person

Your outstanding efforts for numerous charitable

Dear Conrad, we wish you a very happy

both here in Israel and overseas.

causes, particularly for promoting Jewish

80th birthday and many happy returns of the

He performs his philanthropy with much

Education, and your support for the less

day. A big Mazal Tov and all our best wishes

understanding. He doesn’t just give charity. He

fortunate within the community, both in London

for continuing good health, happiness and

is a builder and I admire him for that. I know he

and Israel, are legendary.

success over the next 40 years, together with

is going through a very difficult period in his life

Discerning and dedicated, hardworking and

your amazing and wonderful wife, Ruth and

but even now, when I come to him with projects

G-d bless him. I love him. I admire him. We are

effective, generous and unselfish, strong and

surrounded by your beautiful family. May

or for a cause, he’s there. He is involved. He’s a

like brothers.

decisive, wise and visionary, loyal to tradition

Hashem bless you with harbe nachat from them

builder.

and devoted to future generations…

all and may we all share in many more smachot

I admire him in the way he survives the agony

Conrad, the Priestly Blessing. May G-d bless

together, ad meah v’esrim shana!

and the pain and keeps a clear mind. He’s still a

you and watch over you and may G-d protect

leader. I pray the Almighty gives him many more

you and bless you for many years to come.

These are just a few adjectives to describe you, Conrad, as a person and as a Jew. Your involvement, total commitment and tireless efforts in support of so many worthy causes are an inspiration to all who know and admire you.

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by example. Like Conrad. He’s loyal to the

activates his heart. He once headed a parlour

All our love, Ruth and Nathan

should do to advance that which he believes in. May G-d give them the strength and the vision to continue and may the children continue in their footsteps. I am sure they will.

As a Kohen, I have the privilege to give you,

years and a refua shleima. I have been to the United Kingdom many times

Rabbi Sha’ar Yashuv HaCohen

and I think he is one of the top, if not the top,

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Rabbi Benny Kalmanson

Avraham Kaminer

Otniel

Chairman, the Arad Foundation

Dear Conrad and the Morris & Ben-Zvi Families, It has come to my attention that you are having a small personal family celebration. In light of your willingness to be our friends and lend your help and participation to our endeavour – your joy is our joy. You have assisted us financially as well as personally, by “contributing” Yehuda to us, who with his gentle and pure personality, with his wisdom and talents, brings me joy every day. Hakadosh Baruch Hu entrusted you with economic abundance and has granted you piety and ethics. Today I know that you have used this abundance for the benefit of the Jewish people in diverse fields far and wide. I have also learned that you have employed your wisdom and intellect to map out the important needs of society and state, and the investments

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I’ve been involved in fundraising in London you have made in the people and country are meaningful and effective. I want to wish you and your entire family that you shall live long in good health and that your future life should be joyous and meaningful to you, your family and the entire Jewish people, no less than your life has been thus far. In this blessing I shall include my wishes that you should merit to bring Yehuda’s sons and daughters to the Chupa and even beyond this... I think this blessing is more substantial than the wish of ”Until 120 ...”

since the early 1990s, mainly raising money for Torah centres and other projects in Arad. Already at the beginning of my journey, I had heard a great deal about an amazing individual – Mr. Conrad Morris –and of his numerous blessed deeds. However, I had the privilege of finally meeting Conrad in person only in the year 2000, when the Schaller Medical Centre was established, along with the British Friends of Arad Committee (on which Mr. Morris serves, and which he helped to found). At a memorable ceremonial gathering at the “613” restaurant in London, with prominent figures of the Jewish community in London in attendance, my dear friend Rabbi Tajtelbaum

told me that “There is no good thing, whether in Israel, Great Britain and the wider Jewish world, that Conrad Morris was not involved in”. Over the years I learned how warm and welcoming Conrad was towards every Jewish issue, in Great Britain, Israel and the entire world. He never fails to support and help promote vital projects in Arad and the Negev, and his contribution over the years has been remarkable. On behalf of myself and of the citizens of Arad, I would like to wish Conrad many more healthy years of happiness, pleasure from his children and grandchildren, and continued success in the future. Best, Avraham Kaminer

With gratitude and great appreciation, Benny Kalmanson

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Barbara Oberman Katz

The Oberman family sends a big Mazeltov to Conrad

Several years ago the Reader’s Digest included

on this milestone birthday. Our connection to Ruth and Conrad dates back to long before we made aliyah from London in 1978. I can recall many acts of kindness and generosity to me and my family over the years but one thing stands out in particular. Whenever Ruth and Con came to Israel on a visit, one of the first things they did was to make the trip from Jerusalem to Herzliya to visit Cecil z”l who was very ill. We so much appreciated seeing them and hearing all the news from London and I know that Cecil really enjoyed their visits. That they took the time from their holidays to visit us was very special indeed.

a monthly feature – ”The Most Unforgettable Person I Met”. Contributors described personalities whose influence accompanied them throughout life.

Ruth and Con, Con and Ruth, bless you both and happy birthday, Barbara

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Eli Klein, Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh

Conrad Morris fits this description most vividly. It is impossible to comprehend how so many activities can be concentrated in one man. His entire life is guided by the needs of Klal Yisrael, focusing on support of Yeshivot Hesder, Bar Ilan University, schools in England, social services and more, all the while maintaining a thriving business which others would consider a full time occupation alone. In all this he is supported fully by his Eishet Chayil,

Ruth, who herself is active in many Chessed projects. Conrad has imbued in his children the love for Eretz Yisrael and the value of Ma’aseh Chessed. David, who learned in Yeshivat Kerem B’Yavneh, is actively involved in advancing the development of his ”alma mater”. A special Mazal Tov on Conrad’s 80th birthday. May he merit continued good health, nachat from his family and further success in all his endeavours. ”Od Yenuvun B’seivah D’sheinim V’ra’ananim Yehiyu”. Eli Klein

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Prof. Moshe Kave President of Bar Ilan University

Conrad is a direct thinker.

When you need advice, he gives you advice.

world and to

When you need him to help you get a

opening the new Medical Faculty in Tzfat. He should

What he says

donation, contact the donor, increase his giving, he does it. On the other hand, if you

be very proud he

want an example of love for Eretz Yisrael, love

and with added

has a part in that.

for the family, this is Conrad too.

analysis. He

In the parasha of

I have accompanied Conrad in the good times

Teruma, we read

and in the times when many others would have

about the first

given up. I was in the hospital the first time he

is what you get

brought Bar Ilan to every corner of London and I

engineer, Bezalel

have met so many

Ben Uri, who

was hospitalized. When they actually had to cut his leg. I just came to encourage him but he

people through

possessed a very

Conrad.

special quality

encouraged me: “Moshe, you have to go and

He is a very

called ”chochmat

do this. You can get a donation for that”.

devoted Zionist with the rare ability of

lev”. Seemingly, it is a contradiction. If a

understanding life, understanding Torah and

person is predominantly a ”lev”, a heart, he

understanding the interaction between the two and between many other things as well. Most of the people I know can barely cope with one

That’s Conrad.

has an abundance of emotion and his mo’ach,

He has many, many merits as a righteous

his brain, is subservient to his emotions. On

person. He always knows how to protect Israel

the other hand, if you are predominantly an

and he has never given up despite the incessant

of those qualities.

intellectual, your emotions play second fiddle.

As President of Bar Ilan University, I was very

To have the balanced combination of

Israel is under threat now he will give you a

”chochmat lev” – intellect and emotion – is so

plan for 10 years ahead.

privileged to have Conrad as my Chairman. He has accompanied the development of Bar Ilan from being a small university of only 11,000 students to becoming the largest Jewish

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university in the

rare that even King Solomon had to ask for a

attacks on Israel over the years. And even if

”lev chacham” from the Almighty.

This is the strength a human being is capable of.

Conrad doesn’t need to ask.

I am very privileged to know him.

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Renata and Henry Knobil

Dearest Conrad, Very many congratulations and a truly hearty Mazal Tov on your 80th birthday – a major milestone in your life. We have enjoyed a friendship with you and Ruth that has endured for almost 60 years. It is a relationship that has also embraced your children David, Sara Jo & Elizabeth and their families. During the course of the last six decades our families have celebrated and enjoyed wonderful simchas and many joyous occasions together and we have also been there for each other during times of illness, adversity and sadness. Undoubtedly, you are a man for all seasons and throughout your life you have demonstrated outstanding qualities of leadership, fortitude, endurance, determination and amazing friendship. It seems to us that your life has been dedicated to and embraced a number of spheres, each in its turn of great importance to you. You have enjoyed enormous success in the world of business and commerce, where your ability to remain focused and a master of detail is renowned. Your love of Judaism, Israel and the Jewish people knows no bounds and has resulted in you and Ruth making Jerusalem your home. Throughout the years you have made Israel’s struggles your

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struggles and, knowing you as we do, we have little doubt that your commitment to and love for Israel and the Jewish people will not falter. Your and Ruth’s charitable endeavours, both in Israel and the UK, are legendary and it has been our privilege to be your partners in a number of them. But without question we know that your greatest love has been for Ruth, your children and your grandchildren. Conrad, you have been unbelievably fortunate in having Ruth as a wife, partner, mother, grandmother and carer. Ruth’s outstanding qualities of patience, forbearance and above all commitment to and enthusiasm for all of your activities and endeavours, have been those of the perfect partner. We are truly proud of everything you and Ruth stand for and stand in awe of all that you have achieved.

Jane Stern Labell

Conrad – The Man with the Golden Heart Conrad has been a personal and family friend for many decades. His appreciation of life knows no boundaries. His interests and involvements are myriad. His friendship is a treasure! There were hard years in his youth. Surely that was part of how he grew up to care for and nurture people so impressively. His relationship with my mother, Hylda Wolfson, was genuinely warm and most demonstrative of Conrad’s delicate touch and sensitivity. I remember how caring he always was with my mother; patient, warm and always happy to see her. The night that she passed away, in the middle of Friday night, he and Ruth walked over to Claridges from their home in St. John’s Wood. Conrad had told me to call anytime, as he would leave his message machine on that Shabbos. With his quiet yet firm manner, Conrad took

care of the special needs of all family members, insuring that all had an opportunity to bid a final farewell and honor Hylda. His tireless philanthropic efforts are well known. It is always a delight to see him in action at Bar Ilan University. Conrad, over the years, with your beloved Ruth we have celebrated simchas together many times in many places. Let’s continue! May you and Ruth continue to love, laugh and celebrate together for many years to come. Don joins me in wishing you an outstandingly happy birthday! With fondest love, Jane

Above all we take great pride in knowing that you are our cherished friends. So once again a very happy birthday. We wish you and Ruth ad m eah v’esrim, good health, happiness and a great deal of naches. Renata and Henry

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Dear Mr. Morris, In the 28 years that I have known you, you have been a continual source of support and inspiration to me and to Ascent, and a champion of our programs. I never had an interaction with you where you didn’t encourage me to push forward or challenge me to do more and make Ascent bigger and better. And your generosity often made it possible to take those giant leaps and grow as an organisation. When we brought you plans to build new rooms for our facility, you offered to pay for 10% of the cost on the condition that I find nine more donors. When Ascent wanted to add new programs, you offered to pay half. But your generosity was not only about funding. We almost never had a meeting which did not end with your giving of your valuable time suggesting new avenues and making phone calls on our behalf to contact people you knew about our projects. In Jewish thought, the number 7 represents the natural order, the number 8 represents what is above and beyond nature and the number 10 represents completion.

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Rabbi Abraham and Estelle Levy

We have enjoyed For your 80th year, I want to bless you with success in all your efforts to affect the world in a positive way, Jewishly bringing about good change that is beyond even what you would have believed possible, in a true, lasting and complete way.

Ruth and Conrad’s friendship and generous hospitality for almost 50 years since the time that our children met at nursery school.

With blessings,

We admire Conrad’s passion for Jewish values, especially Jewish education. He asks many people to donate to worthy causes but only after he himself has given generously and whichever cause he supports, he does so without seeking personal glory. He is determined, blunt and focused on what he wants to achieve and he has achieved much with the constant support of Ruth.

Rabbi Shaul Leiter

On this special birthday,

I wish you also much nachas from your children and grandchildren, improved health and the merit to always witness the fruit of your labours in joy and health.

we wish him many happy returns with improved health. Abraham and Estelle

On Being a Jew

f I were to change anything I would be looking inward more than we do. How can we be better Jews?

Just being a Nobel Prize winner doesn’t make us better Jews. It makes us very clever but it doesn’t make us better Jews. A better Jew is one who knows where he came from and understands where he has to go and what he has to do. I think that is a better Jew than one who doesn’t even think about it, doesn’t worry about it.

“

Rabbi Shaul Leiter

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Sian and Julian Levy

Yahav Lichner, Permanent Mission of Israel to the UN

To Conrad on your 80th Birthday,

It is a great honour to salute Mr. Conrad Morris on his 80th birthday on behalf of Israel’s Permanent Mission to

You are an inspiration and blessed by your

with the most massive hurdles and huge tasks

wonderful family.

successfully completed.

The warmth we have received from you and

Nothing makes you waver from your track,

Ruth from the days playing in your house

including sometimes a scattering of rational

in Hamilton Terrace, to your dancing at our

advice.

wedding, to the meals with my whole family on your balcony over Yerushalayim, will always be with us in our hearts. You have endured much hardship with extreme bravery and your rear view mirror is scattered

We have learnt and continue to learn a lot from you and have come to respect you enormously. From you we learn about charity and tenacity in the extreme. Ad meah v’esrim shana

the United Nations. As one of the leading champions of Israel in the United Kingdom, Mr. Morris has spent a lifetime dedicating his great talent and passion to safeguard the future of the Jewish State and the Jewish people. Inspired by the idea that the Jewish Homeland should serve as an ”Or LaGoyim”, he has played a leading role in developing the institutions of higher education in Israel. I saw firsthand his commitment to the principle that all Jews are responsible for one another.

With Love,

When I arrived in the United Kingdom as a student

Julian, Sian, Avi, Jamie, Rachel & Dan Dan

– not knowing a single soul – he took me under his wing as if I were a member of his own family. I was greatly moved by his warmth, his compassion and his generosity – and remain deeply grateful for all he has done for me. All the members of the Morris Family should take great pride in his achievements, his legacy and the values that he represents. I wish him many more years of joy and happiness with his family in his beautiful home in Jerusalem – the eternal capital of the Jewish people. Yours truly, Yahav

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Yehuda Maly

Dearest Conrad, I would like to extend my warmest wishes on the special occasion of your 80th birthday. May your and Ruth’s years be filled with only happiness, good health and much nachat from your beautiful family. Conrad, I will never forget the first time we met. It was in 1992, and Yael and I came to meet with you and Cyril Stein in the Hilton Hotel in Jerusalem to discuss your involvement with the battle over the Golan Heights. After that meeting I remember telling Yael that it was the first time I became acquainted with a true English gentleman. Your sense of humour was very British – gentle and yet very sharp. Your tough exterior attempted to conceal your softness, but the strength and warmth of your heart left no room to doubt that your kindness is limitless and your generosity is boundless. Our meeting that day in the Hilton Hotel concluded with the beginning of a beautiful friendship between our families, and a powerful partnership as we began the struggle over the Golan Heights. Throughout the years, you and Ruth opened your home in Jerusalem to events and gatherings which aimed to raise awareness for the Golan. The events were always a success. Ariel Sharon as a guest speaker and the welcoming and warm atmosphere your home created were a winning combination that raised the support and awareness we needed to prevail in our struggle to ensure the safety and to preserve the beauty of the Golan. Conrad and Ruth, your hearts and homes were always open to anyone and anything that stood for the Jewish

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Sue and Leo Noe

Dearest Conrad, Nation, and for the State of Israel. It was in your home that I stayed during my first Shabbat in London. During that Shabbat you taught me the importance of the media. You explained to me how you communicate with thousands of leaders in the Jewish nation, and how the news must be presented from the correct perspective. You taught me that Media is one of most important players in the battlefield of the 20th century.

When we began writing this tribute we started by compiling a list of everything we wanted to say about you and the obvious qualities that come to mind.

When Yael and I moved to Jerusalem at the beginning of our journey to uncover and reveal the ancient City of David, you and Ruth were both one of the first people who truly believed and supported us in our mission. Everyone thought we were crazy, but Conrad, you are a visionary and you were able to see past the layers of litter that had covered our ancient city, and to see all the glory that was concealed beneath.

Your qualities go on and on so we have created a word-search puzzle. We hope you enjoy it although these words do not encompass all of your great attributes.

You have taught us that one can do anything and never to give up. You are a constant inspiration and the breadth of your giving is astounding.

Happy 80th birthday and wishing you good health, nachas and lots of love, Leo and Sue

Your belief and support of the Ir David Foundation has and continues to give us, and to me personally, strength to carry on with the mission of revealing, rebuilding and restoring Jerusalem’s magnificence to her people. Conrad, on this beautiful occasion, I would like to bless you with Birchat Yerushalayim. May yours and Ruth’s tireless efforts and passionate dedication to Israel and her people continue to inspire all who surround you, and may your actions continue to echo for generations to come. With much gratitude and admiration, Yehuda

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Dr. Sam and Lois Peltz

The Noe Word Search in Honour of Conrad’s 80th Birthday N

Accessible Amiable Backbone Benevolent Brave Caring

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Charity Charming Clever Compassion Conrad Conviction

Courage Courteous Dependable Determination Encouragement Endurance

Father Focussed Friend Generous Giving Good Jew

Grandfather Happy Independent Intrepid Israel Jerusalem

Kind Mensch Mentor Morris Obstinate Persistent

Resolute Spirited Strong Stubborn Supportive Warm

Willpower Zionist

On Divine Reciprocity

His outstanding feature is his love for his fellow Jew and it is from this and his work for the Jewish community that he has been an inspiration to us all.

have known Conrad Morris for many years. He has always been an example to me of generosity associated with kindness and respect for all people.

His wife Ruth has been a wonderful partner to him in supporting him in his activities, and it is with great pleasure and humility that I write this in respect of them both. Conrad and Ruth are giants in the Jewish community. Their lives have been inspired by charity and their love for their fellow Jew. Long may they continue. Dr. Sam and Lois Peltz

y outlook is very simple. G-d has been very good to me and He will be very good to me in the future.

“

Therefore I can afford to give it away and the cut will replenish itself in due course.

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Benjamin Perl

My dear friend Conrad has such dedication to communal affairs that he can be categorised as a human ‫לא ינום ולא ישן שומר ישראל‬. Conrad concentrates his formidable energies on helping his fellow Jew, and he makes no distinctions – be it a Chassid, a Yeshiva boy, or a completely secular Jew – a Jew in need is Conrad’s concern. On a good day or a medically bad day, at home, abroad, or from a hospital bed, 2pm or 2am, Conrad’s Jewish heart is beating loud and clear, searching for solutions, never saying I’ve had enough or this sort of Yiddishkeit is not for me. Conrad’s particular focus has always been on strengthening the Jewish community and ensuring its continuity. Over the past 20 years, Conrad was the only person I could call upon

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anytime for help, advice and a good word. Sometimes the burdens were great, but Conrad was always undaunted and indefatigable, struggling to find new ideas and avenues to achieve the goal and sharing sage advice leading to a solution. ‫ – בן שמונים לגבורה‬when you see Conrad at 80 – it gives us younger friends the ‫ גבורה‬to continue and emulate our role model. Conrad, you have just reached 80 – ‫ – לגבורה‬but I know that you were already a ‫ גיבור‬at 40. Shani joins me in wishing Conrad and Ruth many years of

‫ גבורה‬and happiness. Benjamin

Fiona and Gary Phillips

Ruth and Conrad stand out as leading examples of Chesed. I can remember no instance when they weren’t charitable both in thought and in action. My main memory of them is seeing them happily ensconced in their home in Yemin Moshe. They have always had an open door policy and every Shabbat when I’m in Jerusalem, my dad and I and various kids would descend on them for Kiddush. The food was home cooked, delicious and plentiful. But more than that, it was their warm welcome and interest in everyone and everything that impressed me. Conversation invariably concerned communal/Jewish matters, a subject which Conrad was very happy to talk about. And there would always be lots of children and grandchildren running around! A trip to Israel was never complete without those Shabbat morning visits. A huge Mazeltov to Conrad on his 80th birthday, Fiona and Gary Phillips

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Lila Platman

Dr. David Portowicz The Jaffa Institute

Conrad about 1958. At that time,

he was the Merchandise Buyer for Wallis Shops. My late husband,David, was a supplier to Wallis Shops at that time. Conrad was a slim, very energetic young man, and – as David told me – he worked hard in the Wallis business in a very demanding position. He was almost a workaholic and I do remember his liking for statistics. He and David got on well together and he was often in my home. Conrad also applied his energies to working tirelessly for JIA and his love for Israel knows no bounds. After one of his visits to Israel with a young JNF group, and having Ben Gurion talk to the group, I was most anxious to hear what Ben Gurion had said. Conrad told me that he had simply asked, ”Who is staying here?” Throughout the years, even after both Conrad and David had left the fashion industry, their association and friendship continued. He is my friend also. I wish him to enjoy his special birthday and many more to come, together with Ruth. Lila Platman

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Dear Conrad, On the occasion of your 80th birthday allow me to join your many admirers and well wishers and offer you my heartiest congratulations. I have never met a more gracious and considerate donor to good Jewish causes than yourself. Few are those who actually feel the need to help others without any personal interest. Your kindness comes from an enormous heart and reflects a most honorable character. It is a privilege to be counted among your friends. G-d bless you with many good and happy years to come, together with Ruth and your children and grandchildren, in my name and the name of 4,000 children in my charge who thank you from the depths of their hearts. David Portowicz

On Money

f you really want to enjoy life and live a full life then don’t just buy planes and yachts.

“

We first got to know

There are a lot of other good things to spend your money on. Go out and seek them and spend accordingly.

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Judy and Geoffrey Preger

Rabbi Eliezer Sadan Rosh Yeshivat Bnei David, Eli

I too am one of Conrad’s greatest admirers – but from afar, not through any direct involvement. Since working together on Charities Aid in the 60s, we have never really had anything in common. Not politics, not religion, not business, not cultural interests, nor philanthropic work. Even our personal contacts have been sporadic. Sometimes we don’t speak to each other for months on end. But frequency is not what friendship is about. Even across the distances of time and space, friendship is the knowledge that it’s there – constant and uncompromising. That we always know what’s happening in each other’s lives and that we are concerned for each other’s wellbeing. Without making any comparison, Ruth and I have both had a great deal to handle in recent years. Judy has been ill for over 30 years and in the past few years has declined both physically and mentally. And yet, despite the horrendous trauma which Conrad recently suffered and his ongoing medical problems, he found the time and energy to come at least twice during the past year to visit Judy in our home in Caesarea. If that’s not a caring friendship I don’t know what is.

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On a lighter note, when looking back I can remember only one quirk of Conrad that even today makes me smile – his passion for late-night scrambled eggs! No matter what function we’d been to or how late the hour, we’d go back to his home for coffee or something but all he wanted was scrambled eggs. (Who knows what the psychologists would make of that?) Of course, Ruth was always happy to indulge this extraordinary whim. Which brings me to mention that in her quiet, unassuming way, Ruth has played such an indispensable part in Conrad’s life that she deserves no less a tribute of her own. One wonders if Conrad would have achieved what he has without her steadfast love and unwavering support. Apart from Edna Cohen perhaps, I’m probably the only living person who has known Ruth the longest. As I write this, I have before me a book I received as a child, which is inscribed as follows: “To Jeffrey (sic) for his Seventh Birthday from Charles and Ruth Corman, July 1942”. Even Conrad can’t beat that for long friendships! Judy and Geoffrey Preger

t is my privilege and honour to have known you since the early years of the Bnei David pre-army preparatory yeshiva in Eli. It was Mrs. Betty Stein who made the introduction and the bond with the Bnei David family has only grown and deepened over the years. Your partnership with Bnei David has been an inspiration for all and we acknowledge it with immense gratitude.

Your Vision The IDF preparatory yeshivot have had a farranging impact on Israeli society and the character of the army today. Over the years, Bnei David’s philosophy and ethos have spread throughout Israel. It took people of vision and foresight to lay the foundations of this revolutionary educational project. Over 20 years ago, your dedication to the State of Israel and the Jewish people made you a partner with Bnei David. With your help, what was then our mutual dream is now a living reality.

Your Involvement Your generosity does not end with your signature alone. You are also keenly involved in the projects to which you contribute. It is important to you that the best possible use is made of our resources. You make it a point to visit, inquire and share your wisdom and advice.

Your Love of the Jewish People, the Land of Israel and the Torah The pre-army preparatory yeshiva at Eli instills in our students the harmonious ideals of taking responsibility for the life of the country, settling the Land of Israel and mastering the Torah. All recognize that these ideals are dear to your heart and soul. Even though you were not raised in the world of the yeshiva, nor is Israel your native land. A man of action and determination, you have sought to nurture a generation committed to Torah study and the service of the Jewish people – the balanced path upon which Israel’s future depends. In you, Bnei David has found a cherished lifelong partner. We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation for everything you have given us over the years. We extend to you our blessings for long life, health, prosperity, happiness and all good things. In gratitude, Eli Sadan

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Harry Sapir

Conrad is very unusual in that he is very resilient. He has had his ups and his downs in business and in health and despite everything he is still in good humour. He has his emunah which also keeps him going. One of the things for which I think he is outstanding is his loyalty to friends, to friends in need. I am not talking specifically about charity because charity is a chapter in itself as far as Conrad is concerned. But he displays amazing loyalty to his friends. He has helped people in need because they were friends and not as charity because he believes that’s what friendship is all about. SodaStream – This is definitely Conrad to make a huge success out of something that seemed to be doomed to failure.

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I have known Ruth probably 60-65 years. If one had to find an example of ezer k’negdo then Ruth would be that. She is quite extraordinary in the way she carries the burden of Conrad. If they have been married almost 50 years then a lot of the credit goes to Ruth. I stayed with them in Hamilton Terrace quite often and there was never any question of ”We don’t have space, we don’t have time”. The house was always open. Altogether they are remarkable people and I wish them all the very best. Harry Sapir

Anna and Harry Schimmel

Ben shmonim ligivurah (Pirkei Avot 5:24) Conrad, most people have to wait until 80 to

the first party to make the trip – to the Ukraine

reach gevurah. You have had a spark of gevurah

– and among the first to pledge your financial

as long as we have known you.

support.

As long as you were in England, every good

You have been an inspiration to us all in the

cause could find a supporter, and even more,

way you face your own physical problems

a leader. If it was the makom she‘ein ish, you

with enormous courage and fortitude, without

would step into the breach and show gevurah.

ceasing in your endeavours and determination to

When we were involved in founding the Sage

alleviate the problems of others.

Home for the frail and elderly, you were among

In all this, you have the constant encouragement

the first to give us encouragement and support.

and support of your eishet chayil, Ruth. May you

When we mobilized a support group for the

both continue ad meah v‘esrim, with nachat.

orphanage and school in Odessa, you were in

Harry and Anna

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Estelle and Lee Scott MP

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The Sebba Family

We are delighted to send you our warmest

On the occasion of his 80th birthday, we

wishes on the occasion of your special birthday.

would like to congratulate Conrad for his

Together with Ruth, you are an inspiration to us all. You have unbounded reserves of energy and dynamism and continue to achieve more and more in all the different aspects of your life. You are a motivational leader, tenacious achiever and yet you have that rare quality, you are humble.

outstanding achievements in supporting such

We have known each other for so many years and we have been privileged to work with you on a wide range of projects including the JIA, UJIA and the Jakobovits Project at Bar Ilan in particular, where our relationship was cemented.

try to raise financial help for these projects from

We wish you a hearty Mazeltov and a future filled with only good health, happiness and simcha. With our deepest love and admiration, Estelle and Lee Scott MP

increasing family.

a wide range of activities for the benefit of the Jewish communities in the UK and in Israel. Conrad and Ruth did not limit their support to finance. They took and continue to take an active interest in the projects they support, and friends and acquaintances. To them Israel is not a remote place to which support is sent – they established a home in Jerusalem and ensure ongoing contact with their large and ever-

On the occasion of the 100th birthday of our father, Samuel Sebba, who had enjoyed the personal friendship of Ruth and Conrad for many years, they produced a book comprising letters of greetings from the world’s leaders – particularly of the Jewish and Israeli communities. This was a spectacular achievement and created a souvenir which will be treasured for many years to come. The project required a personal investment of time and energy and using personal contacts to ensure that all those approached took the trouble to respond. We wish Ruth and Conrad all the very best for the future. The Sebba Family

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Ruth and Cyril Sherer

Rabbi Aryeh Sufrin, MBE Executive Director, Drugsline

have known you for many years now, not

deeds than are known about. It would be

only as the husband of my cousin Ruth, your

characteristic of you. I am sure there were many

devoted wife. I have come to admire you in your

more “Ma’asim Tovim” about which no-one will

personal as well as your public life. My wife and

ever know.

I have had the great pleasure to participate in

It was always gratifying that you included

your family simchas.

us amongst your distinguished guests. As a

We have enjoyed the wonderful Friday evening

physician and not only as a relation, I can

dinners in your home, when the conversation

only admire your courage and optimism in

was as good as the food. We have watched your

overcoming the many difficulties you have had

joy in blessing your children and grandchildren

to face. I am aware of the part Ruth has played

and been moved by your beautiful voice when

in all this, and I honour her.

you have led us in prayer. We were privileged be with you in Efrat when

We wish you both many good years together to enjoy the blessings you have so richly deserved.

you donated a Sefer Torah to the community and at Bar Ilan when you were awarded a Doctorate. I am sure you were involved in far more good

With love and respect, Ruth and Cyril Sherer

Dear Conrad, It is with great pleasure and extreme honour that I take pen to paper to wish you warmest Mazal Tov wishes on reaching the wonderful milestone of your 80th birthday. The Mishna (Pirkei Avos, 5:22) says ”At eighty one shows strength”, as it says in Tehillim (90:10) ”the days of our years are seventy – and if with strength – eighty years”. Say our teachers, when one lives over eighty years it is because Hashem has granted His Blessings of special natural strength and vigour, it is also invested with an abundance of spiritual vigour too. You – dear Conrad – are a man who has shown his strength in so many ways to so many people. Overcoming the challenges of life in which ever form they have been presented, overcoming adversity with deep Emunah! I recall with pride the numerous meetings I attended in your home here in London with my late Father zt”l. At a later date, in the Houses of Parliament with Members of Parliament, to research and understand, seeking solutions to the ”Jewish Education challenges” in North East London. You were determined to give every Jewish child the opportunity of a Jewish education whatever it took – money, gezunt, determination and often ”standing it alone” to be heard, i.e. – the future of Anglo- Jewry through authentic Jewish Education. In later years, after you attended a Drugsline dinner together with dear Ruth, you understood immediately

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a new challenge that we were facing. Young men and women from all backgrounds, including traditional homes, were falling into the temptation of chemical substance abuse. With it comes a trail of destruction to relationships and whole families. Drugsline faces this challenge by being there for those affected and their families through its crisis intervention programmes and once again prevention through education. Once again, you, together with Ruth – and more recently, David – have chosen to support the work of Drugsline in a real and tangible manner. You are helping us make a real impact in saving individuals and whole families from being torn apart from our Jewish roots and society as a whole. Is this not the strength to which the Mishna refers? You are indeed a living example for your family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as all of us who have the privilege and honour to know you. You have shown how action speaks louder than words! And we – as indeed so many – are the richer for it. Mazal Tov, Mazal Tov and may Hashem bless you with all His blessings for your 80th birthday. May you go from this decade of your 80s to reach in good health and contentment and good tidings, the decades of the 90s and indeed 100, with strength to continue your admirable work on all our behalfs, together with Ruth and your dear family. With honour and appreciation, Aryeh

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Many people like to quote Herzl: “If you will it, it is no dream”. Generally though, they put the emphasis on the ‘dream’ part of the phrase. But Conrad has always put the emphasis exactly where it ought to be, on the ‘will’. He is a true man of action, with the passion to do whatever is necessary for the advancement of the Jewish people and the Jewish State. We have had the privilege and pleasure of knowing Conrad and Ruth, and being mishpacha with them, for over two decades. Throughout that time we have had the opportunity to witness the amazing range of their communal activities, and their generosity and leadership, in an astonishingly wide range of projects serving Israel and the Jewish people. The number of these activities is far too broad to mention, but one of the common themes, so close to Conrad’s heart, is education and the need to nurture and perpetuate Jewish identity. It is this passion which lies behind his unstinting support for Jewish schools in the UK and many educational institutions, for every level of student from the disadvantaged to the outstanding, throughout Israel.

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On the personal level, Conrad and Ruth’s home is a model of hachnasat orchim, with Shabbat meals always including a wide array of guests, and the lively discussion ranging from Torah learning to contemporary Jewish and political issues. Conrad’s own love of learning is itself a wonderful example to his children and grandchildren, with whom he studies enthusiastically and regularly. Conrad and Ruth have set another marvellous example in their recent decision to make Aliyah to Israel. It is hard to see them sitting on their balcony overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem without thinking that this is where they are clearly meant to be. Sadly for us, their arrival in Israel coincided with our diplomatic posting to London, and we miss them, as do all the members of St. John’s Wood Synagogue where we regularly attend. Every day, in the Shema prayer, we talk about fulfilling our Jewish mission, “with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your might”. Conrad is a true example of this passion and commitment. We are delighted to salute him, and wish him and Ruth health, nachat and blessing for many years to come. Daniel and Zehava Taub

Noemi and Romeo Vecht

We wish Conrad and Ruth a BIG Mazeltov on this very special occasion. May Conrad continue to improve health wise. With much affection: “Primus Inter Pares” Romeo and Noemi

On Involvement

or the last 35 years I have been more of an investor in people than in businesses. Writing a cheque is easy. But getting involved and encouraging and pushing the individual to do more is almost as important as the charity itself.

“

Zehava and Daniel Taub

I assure you, from personal experience, the more you invest and become involved, the greater your enthusiasm and satisfaction.

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Philip Vecht

Rabbi Faivish Vogel, Chairman, Centre for Jewish Life

Dear Conrad & Ruth, As soon as I began gathering my thoughts on

may find themselves, and your seemingly never

what I could write and how you may have

wanting to let a Jew fall foul.

impacted on me – the reality began to flow. I have no doubt you won’t accept any credit for that, nor believe the influence you may have

Your strength, courage, perseverance and resilience (especially in the face of adversity)

When did conrad become Conrad? How did conrad become Conrad? The clue lies in the most ancient of Jewish texts, the ”Book of Formation”, authored by none other

together with Ruth’s total dedication, both in

than the father of us all, Abraham. He peered into

sickness and in health, is humbling for those

the substance of all creation and existence within

who have witnessed it, and who do so with

and discovered the very framework of the where,

admiration.

the when and the how.

Your unhesitating love of Israel and undying

It all began with the humility one gains from a

let me win… once! And you may have fallen

support and drive for the Zionistic journey are

humble upbringing. Humility breeds resolve and is

asleep mid-sentence at the Shabbat table. But

quite unique and set an example few can follow.

quickly followed by commitment which in turn is

in truth, I learnt so much from you – in values,

The famous ‘Morris Hotel’ both in the UK

had. Having grown up with David in Hamilton Terrace, we spent every other Shabbat together. David may have taught me football, table tennis, backgammon and snooker. I think he even

determination, courage, belief, friendship and commerce. You are an inspiration both in family and in business.

and Israel is always unfailingly generous in its hospitality to whoever turns up. You have created a name that stands proud and solid and which the community admires in

sustained by focus. Everything follows and the rest is commentary. Of course, bright and quality people would befriend him only to discover that in the seminal friendship they were mutual beneficiaries. Ruth, herself a scion of an illustrious, successful

In difficult times you are always so interested in

every dimension and direction. You can be sure

other peoples’ problems (including my own) and

that your wonderful family carries that name

and generous family, invested her life in Conrad.

passionate about helping to rectify them with

forward, and may the blessings that surround

Yes, he was befriended and gives friendship with

you continue…

loyalty.

total support and encouragement. I have witnessed your dedicated loyalty to your friends under whatever circumstances they

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Where did conrad become Conrad?

With love & affection, Philip & Rachel, Sam, Dalia, Lella & Elliana

That earns respect. Yes, he remains a perennial pupil whilst in return

helps provide for Jewish schools and institutions to acquire more pupils. Yes, he remains a loyal and devoted servant to numerous causes both in the UK and Israel. And yes, he invested heavily and hands-on in Israel assuring that his pocket would achieve parity with his words and principles. He respects leadership but maintains a discerning eye for the visionary variety. This is probably what brought him to the Rebbe in the early seventies. This matured into a relationship which served and serves as a guide for him and his family personally and equally in communal endeavours. His own brand of leadership maintained an uncanny consistency. He assured that his own children would attend Jewish schools just as he had championed the Jewish Day School Movement for everyone. We met Ruth and Conrad prior to their marriage over 50 years ago. We are blessed to still cherish our friendship. Ruth, Conrad and their families richly deserve abundant blessings from the Almighty. After all, they have brought abundant blessings to His people.

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John Wagner

Rabbi Eliezer Waldmanֿ Rosh Yeshiva, Yeshivat Nir Kiryat Arba

Dear Conrad,

In early 1979, I was asked by a British women’s

Conrad and Ruth’s devotion to the Jewish

Congratulations on achieving your 80th birthday

fire immediately as there were no Israelis in that

organisation to visit Soviet Russia and meet

people and the Land of Israel goes far beyond

and G-d bless you for many more to come

area.

with young Jews taking their first steps towards

generously funding building projects and

religious observance. Since travel to Russia from

establishing budding communities. They

together with your family and your lovely wife Ruth. Here is a photo taken at a Help for Israel Committee meeting in the mid 50s. We can see

As we got near to that location I ensured that my Sten was loaded with the safety catch off. I turned round to look at you and your rifle was

Israel was impossible, I had to first fly to London and continue from there to Moscow.

still lying under the seat. I said, “Conrad, for

Likewise, I stopped off in London on the way

goodness sake pick up your weapon and be on

home. My good friend Cyril Stein, of blessed

behind and to the left of you.

the alert” and you responded, “I’m not touching

memory, asked me to stay over one evening in

As a result of our work together and our

that – it’s covered in oil and would stain my nice

friendship we visited Israel at that time. I

powder-blue trousers”!

distinctly remember our adventurous trip by road

We got to Eilat without incident but it was

you standing over there on the left with me just

to Eilat in a two-jeep convoy. I also remember you were wearing a very nice powder-blue pair of trousers.

very basic there with only a Tnuva shop to get milk, etc. and we had to get blankets, sleep on the beach and bathe in the Gulf of Eilat each

Before we left Beersheva we were given

morning. You complained that it was sea water

weapons because at a certain point the road

so your soap and shampoo wouldn’t lather!

went near the Jordanian border and was very dangerous. I was given a Sten sub-machine gun and sat in front next to the driver and you were given a Lee Enfield rifle and sat in the back of this jeep which was fully open at the sides. As

compassionately extend a helping hand to individuals, families, synagogues and educational institutions who suddenly find themselves faced with unforeseen difficulties.

London so I could share the experience of that

It is a great privilege to extend my heartiest

inspiring visit with his friends at a meeting he set

Mazal Tov wishes to Conrad upon this happy

up.

occasion. May the merit of Conrad and Ruth’s

The hosts who warmly welcomed me and

modesty, kindness and sense of responsibility

opened their home for that extraordinary

for the Jewish people serve as a blessing and a

gathering were Conrad and Ruth Morris and

model of Jewish life for their loving family. May

thus began decades of a wonderful relationship

the Almighty grant them many more years of

with this special couple. Ultimately, their deep

good health, simchas and nachas.

commitment to Eretz Israel, which emanated

The end of the story is that when we finally got

from their dedication to Torah and Emunah, led

back to Tel Aviv you spent a good few days in

them to make their home in the eternal city of

the luxury of the Dan Hotel in Hayarkon Street

Jerusalem.

In loving friendship, Eliezer Waldman

recovering from your “Eilat adventure”!!

we were approaching a particular place where rock outcrops bordered the road we were told that if we saw anyone jump out we should open

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Lots of love, John

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Sylvia and Nigel Wallis

Dovi Weiss, Director Shavei Hevron Institutions

Conrad,

Conrad and Ruth are exceptional individuals in my eyes. One

we were trying to count all the activities you are or have been successfully involved in, the amount of people and families you have given support to (which few know about)… overcoming and dealing with severe health difficulties, making aliyah and all that goes with it. So with all this behind you, and now being 80 years old, as they say, ”Life begins at 80!” So go for it! You have been blessed with the best of the best, your Ruth. You have a full, supporting, wonderful family and long may you continue, with Hashem’s help, until 120. In admiration,

doesn’t have the privilege of meeting people like them very often. Conrad is a person who deeply cares about Am Yisrael. The depth of his caring goes beyond the definitions of secular and religious and embraces every Jew. Conrad is a person of strong faith, who stands by his principles, even when his viewpoint is not popularly accepted. Conrad is a person who acts on behalf of Israeli society by supporting the needy and contributing greatly to Jewish Education for children in Eretz Yisrael. Conrad is a person who believes in the State of Israel as the realization of the vision of the Prophets and acts in order to ensure and strengthen the stronghold of Am Yisrael on every section of the Land.

Nigel and Sylvia Dovi Weiss

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Lord Wolfson

Yoel Zylberman, CEO HaShomer HaChadash

On Pleasure

he pleasure in giving away hard earned money is just that. Giving it away. It was given to you so you can give it away.

“

That’s why, when we first floated SodaStream, the first people to get any real, big money were my charities.

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Conrad has particular things that interest him and he works them to the full. He doesn’t give up easily and he is prepared to give up his time to an enormous extent to things in which he will not personally benefit. To sum up Conrad, he likes to do good and he likes to be in business. The two work together. If business is successful he can do more philanthropy work. David

Dear Conrad, Congratulations on your 80th birthday. May you live to 120! I first had the pleasure of meeting you on a stormy day in the Galilee. Surprisingly, you and Ruth arrived on this day when others would surely have cancelled. I was privileged to spend some very meaningful time with you that taught me about who you are… During your time with HaShomer HaChadash you saw and understood the need and the

in time, forever linking us to the very beginning of Eretz Israel. The Land of Israel is what allows us to live in our nation and forces us to make a continuous effort not only for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren. You are a man of great conviction and belief, and it is an honor for me that you have become such a good friend of HaShomer HaChadash. It is important for me to say thank you for the trust and confidence that you have given us.

experience we have had over the last few years

Your support allows us to walk proudly and with

with the violence against farmers and ranchers in

courage on the paths that many have walked on

the Negev and the Galilee.

before us and on which many more will go.

But more than this, our main understanding is that each generation has to examine itself in relation to the timeline in which it lives and the

May you be blessed with many years of health and building Eretz Israel.

challenges that are facing Am Israel and Eretz

In appreciation,

Israel. The deep strength of our nation is eternal

Yoel Zylberman

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‫וראה בנים‬ ‫לבניך‬ ‫שלום‬ ‫על ישראל‬

don’t want to become the most powerful man or the richest man in the world. I just want to be happy, comfortable, have a good home and a great family and be able to do all the things I have loved doing all my life, being active in the community.

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You have to know, that every single week of my children and my grandchildren’s life, without fail, wherever I am in the world, we find each other and each of them receives a bracha from me. And if I happen to be late, each one of them will get hold of me and say, ‘Papa you haven’t blessed me’ and they get that blessing. And that is a ritual which will never stop. It will go on I hope from generation to generation. That is my bracha for all my kids. Be strong. Be healthy. Be good. Be happy. Be successful and do good works.

Amen

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