Haifa's legendary benefactor dies at age 88

Baruch Dayan Ha'emet: A man of kindness, beloved of the city of Haifa, Rabbi Avraham Yehuda Roth, z"l, passed away today at the age of 88.

The late, z"l, was one of Haifa's greatest benefactors, and one of the city's oldest Belza Hasidim, and was one of the leaders of the Hasidic synagogue on Arlozorov Street.

For his livelihood, he owned a tombstone factory.

 In 1964, he founded the Bikur Cholim-Achismech organization, which initially began as a prayer leader at Rambam Hospital in Haifa, and the Arabi Simcha organization for patients. He financed the organization from his own pocket and invested all the money he earned from the tombstone factory in an organization that was dear to his heart. "When he couldn't get to a hospital, he would pay guys to drive in taxis to hospitals in the north, to bring joy to the sick and depressed," his acquaintances say.

His wife passed away about a year ago. Since her hospitalization at Beit Rivkah Hospital in Bnei Brak, and after her passing, he has lived at his son's house in Bnei Brak.

Years ago, thanks to his activities, the name of Hatam Sofer Street was changed to Hektar Street, after he approached Mayor Yona Yahav and argued that it was inappropriate for there to be clubs on Hatam Sofer Street. "The section of the street where the clubs operate was changed to Hektar Street and has remained so to this day," his acquaintances say.

His son, who lives in Bnei Brak, continues his work in the Ahisamach Hospital Visitation Organization.

His funeral left from his son's house in Bnei Brak to the funeral home in the city.

May his memory be blessed.