JDA Magazine May 2025 Paperturn - Flipbook - Page 39
Chana and I loved each other very much and we
had a happy life together in our home in Arnos
Grove. We went regularly to JDA’s Jewish Deaf
Club in Cazenove Road, Stamford Hill.
I am a North London man, and my football team
is Arsenal. I used to watch their games at the Old
Highbury ground and my favourite players were
Ted Drake and Cli昀昀 Bastin. There were no seats,
and we all had to stand up, but it was always
crowded. Highbury was a special place!
My favourite pastime was cruising to di昀昀erent
places with friends and family. I have been on
over 30 cruises in my life! I miss this now.
Both my Jewish and my Deaf identities are
important to me. I have been Deaf and Jewish
from birth, and I have lived my life that way —
since my early days at RSJDC and throughout
my 70 years at JDA.
I still go to JDA regularly, where I love being around
Deaf people. I am very proud to be a Deaf BSL
signing man.
I celebrated my 100th birthday by hosting a
lovely party at JDA for my family and friends.
I invited each guest individually by video call.
I wore a suit to my party, with smart new shoes
and a hat. It was a very good Deaf party!
I also had two other parties — one with my
family at a restaurant and another at the
care home I have recently moved to. I feel
overwhelmed with love.
People ask me how I feel now I am 100 years old.
I feel it is amazing, but I miss my wife very much.
Martin smiling with his family, including son
Steven and daughter Sylvia
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