Community
Welwyn synagogue's gardener is blooming at 104
For decades, Sam Ostro tended the gardens of the Hertfordshire town's shul
October 8, 2021 09:07
For decades, Sam Ostro tended the gardens of the Hertfordshire town's shul
October 8, 2021 09:07The oldest member of Welwyn Garden City’s Jewish community has celebrated his 104th birthday.
Sam Ostro arrived in the Hertfordshire town in 1939, courtesy of Wim van Leer, a Dutch Jew sent on a rescue mission by the town’s Quakers. Apart from a short stint living in Wales, he has made his home there ever since.
Mr Ostro came from Leipzig, where he worked in a plant nursery. His bosses hid him overnight on Kristallnacht, when the city’s synagogue was burned down.
He never found out why he was chosen to be one of the 14 young men saved by van Leer and brought to Welwyn Garden City, where they were housed in a hostel.
Two of his brothers had already moved to Palestine; another brother and his mother perished in the Holocaust.
In 2000, he visited Leipzig for the first time since leaving and was able to visit his father’s grave.
For decades, Mr Ostro tended the gardens of Welwyn’s synagogue, which opened in 1955 on land next to the Friends’ Meeting House.
“Gardening is his passion,” said his son, Paul. Six years ago, a 20-tree apple orchard near his home was named after him by the local council.
Although now bed-bound, he was able to celebrate his birthday with son Paul, daughter Louise and husband John, three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. There were also many cards from friends.
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