Abraham Almany

Abraham Almany Age 89, passed away peacefully, after a long illness on March 12, 2011 with his wife by his side. Prof. Almany was born in Haifa, Palestine on September 6, 1921. His parents and his large extended family were also natives of Haifa and have been for many generations. Prof. Almany became a member of the underground organization, Irgun Tzvie Leumi, which helped pave the way toward the establishment of a Jewish homeland. He was arrested by the British in January 1944, then deported to Eritren and Kenya for an undefined period. During his detention, Prof. Almany took advantage of the scholarship of other inmates. After the declaration of the state of Israel, a representative of the prisoners wrote to the governor of Kenya, advising that the prisoners have declared themselves citizens of Israel and demanded to be repatriated. In July 1948, the British sent all the prisoners to an emotionally riveting arrival at Tel Aviv. They were given a 30 day rest period before their enlistment in the I.D.F., the Israeli Defense Forces. Prof. Almany was drafted into the prestigious Hativat Golani 13th Brigade. Following his discharge from the I.D.F. Prof. Almany was accepted to study Law at the University of Paris, France where he earned his L.L.B. While studying in Paris, he lived with and became a father figure for the many Jewish children that were orphaned as a result of the Holocaust. Until the day he died he fulfilled that role. After receiving his Doctorate in International Law, Prof. Almany returned to Haifa where he worked as a legal intern, responsible for writing contracts between the government of Israel and France. He later emigrated to the United States, on a post doctoral scholarship where he met and married Enola, his wife of 45 years. After retiring as Professor Emeritus from Dowling College, Oakdale, NY, he and his wife moved to Tucson in 2001. He was an active JCC member both in the fitness center and in the bridge club until his health failed. He will be remembered for his caring heart. His generosity extended beyond family to anyone in need. In addition to his wife Enola, he is survived by the two daughters they raised, Barbara Broere Martens, Deborah Broere Van Brunt (R. Bruce); four granddaughters, Rachel Mizenko (Gary), Jessica Weinand (Ryan Wells), Carrie Wiley (Jeremy) and Tracee Van Brunt; three great-grandchildren, one more due this month; many Sargent relatives including Cassius E. Sargent, Thomas Sargent and numerous family members and friends residing in Israel. As per his wishes the burial will be held at a later date in New York. Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by BRING'S BROADWAY CHAPEL, 6910 E. Broadway.