Haifa Mayor Celebrates 105th Birthday With Resident Esther Neuwirth
Haifa Mayor Yona Yahav attended a celebration for Esther Neuwirth, a resident of the city, who marked her 105th birthday surrounded by her family. Neuwirth, born in Elbing, Germany, on September 2, 1921, experienced the rise of Nazism and joined the Jewish youth movement "Blau-Weiss" (Blue-White) at age 16, preparing for immigration to Mandatory Palestine. She arrived in the country on October 31, 1938, initially working in agriculture before supporting her parents financially after their arrival.
Neuwirth worked as a seamstress in Tel Aviv for approximately 40 years, raising her family and caring for her parents. On October 31, 1948, during the War of Independence, she married Josef Neuwirth, who had immigrated from Austria. They had two sons, Rafi and Mickey, the latter of whom passed away about a year ago. Her life story spans pre-war Europe, immigration, the establishment of Israel, and building a family, characterized by diligence, family responsibility, optimism, and creativity.
After retiring at age 60, Neuwirth dedicated herself to sculpting, creating nearly 100 sculptures over two decades focusing on the human spirit, love, and compassion. About ten of her works are currently displayed in the lobby of the Mitzpe Eli'sha towers, where she moved after her husband's death in 2007. She is now a mother of two, grandmother to six, and great-grandmother to twelve.
Mayor Yahav stated, "105 years is not just an age, it is a whole life story. Esther is a woman who has gone through periods that are chapters in the history of the Jewish people and the State of Israel, and built a life of work, family, creativity, and love here. It was very moving to meet her, to see the large family around her and the sculptures she created. On behalf of the city of Haifa and myself, I wish her many more moments of satisfaction, love, and health, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Happy birthday, Esther."
