Obituary: Joseph Hayat
VAJEX’s oldest newest member has passed away.Harold Karpin reports:
Joseph Hayat
Just a matter of a few months ago VAJEX, Victorian Association of Jewish Ex Servicemen and Women, learned that we had an ‘Old Digger’ living in a Jewish Aged Care facility. His name was Joseph Hayat and he was ninety nine and a half years old, yes, ninety nine and a half years old. VAJEX Committee members visited Joseph and made him an honorary member. He accepted his new badge with pride showing on his face, much in the same way as if he was being presented with a medal of honour. It was plain to see that Joseph was a leader, a ‘mensch’ much respected by all around him.
Joseph was a fruit farmer in Shepparton for many years where he raised an adoring family. He served in the 16th Battalion of the Volunteer Defence Corps between 1942 and 1945. It is our belief that he was the oldest surviving Australian Jewish soldier from WW2.
It was clear from the happiness in his eyes that he enjoyed a great deal of ‘nachat’ from his loving family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren..
VAJEX was saddened to hear that on the 10th August 2010 Joseph Hayat passed away surrounded by his family. We will miss him dearly. May His Dear Soul Rest In peace
Lest We Forget
i was just reading about Joseph in a book Early families of Shepparton and district,the life of Abraham and Rachel Hayat,by Shirley Hayat Randles.Sorry to read of his death.I am looking for Ian Maurice Hayat of Shepparton,he maybe a grandson of Joseph.Can you help with any information.Fay.
Ian Maurice Hayat from Shepparton East can be found on Facebook. I think he moved to Qld. a year or so ago. His Father was Amram and Mother, Annie Mayor.