In Memoriam - The Hon. Abe E Abrahamson

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by Nick Alhadeff

The Hon. Abe Abrahamson, honorary Life President of the South African Zionist Federation, passed away peacefully at his home in Johannesburg on Saturday 13th March.

Abe, as he was known to all former Rhodesians, irrespective of colour or creed, devoted a large part of his life to the betterment of the underprivileged, as well as to the well-being of his people.  As one of the founders of Habonim in the early 30's, and later of the first Zionist Youth Council, it was not surprising that much ofhis life would be dedicated to public work.

On his return to Bulawayo after the war, he became active in politics and it was not long after his election to Parliament that he was appointed Minister of Housing, Social Welfare and Labour in the cabinet of Sir Edgar Whitehead.  In this position he played an important role in trying to solve the complex race relations of the colonial era and became involved in changing Rhodesia's constitution to one based on merit and not on race.

Throughout his political life, he never abandoned his deep commitment to his people and to the Zionist cause.  Prior to his election to the cabinet, he had served as President of the Central African Board of Deputies, and he was re-elected to the same office when he ceased to be a minister after U.D.I.  During a very difficult time in Rhodesia's history, the imposition of world-wide sanctions and the freezing of all transfers of foreign currency, were a blow to the IUA that had always been the Jewish community's strongest link for identifying with Israel.  Abe once again used his influence to persuade the government of the time to decree an exception for the transfer of these funds.

Even during the time that he served as a minister, and when as such he was precluded from serving the community directly, he often overcame this obstacle by spending his weekends at home surrounded by communal workers, who would update him on the affairs of the Jewish community.

Later, when his children settled in South Africa, Abe and his devoted wife Anita moved to Johannesburg in order to keep the family together.  Once settled, Abe became involved in the Jewish affairs of his new home and was elected Chairman of the S.A.Z.F.  At the end of his term of office, in recognition of his outstanding services, he was made a Life President of the S.A.Z.F.

All former Rhodesians/Zimbabweans and South Africans living in Israel mourn the loss of a great Jewish leader, fellow countryman and friend and join in wishing Anita, her children and all the family a long life, with the memories of a loving husband and father, and of a man so fully committed to his people.

Abe and Anita

Anita and Abe, their children and spouses