My Safta's death reminded me what our society is losing
A personal tribute to my grandmother has become a reflection on what we’ve lost — and desperately need to regain.
Last night, just as we were counting down to go live on The Opposition Podcast, I got the news that my Safta — my grandmother — had passed away. She was around 105 years old, though no one really knows for sure. That’s how it was back then. Birthdays weren’t recorded, especially not for Jewish girls growing up in Yemen in the 1920s and ‘30s.
Tonight’s video wasn’t originally planned. But I’m sharing it with everyone — not just our RebelNews+ subscribers — because this moment is too important and too personal not to.
My Safta, Mazal, wasn’t just a remarkable woman. She was part of a generation that I fear we’re losing — and with it, their values. She fled Arab persecution in Yemen in 1949 and found refuge in Israel. Yes, she was one of the hundreds of thousands of Arab-Jewish refugees that no one talks about because their story doesn't fit the preferred Middle East narrative.
My grandmother has just passed. 💔
— Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) May 27, 2025
A true matriarch, she leaves behind a legacy of over 550 descendants—children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
I can’t believe visiting Israel will no longer mean seeing your face and making you laugh.
I… pic.twitter.com/kA6P8zeOos
She never learned to read or write. She didn’t have much in a material sense. She lost a son in one of Israel’s wars. And yet her faith in God never wavered. Her love for family never faltered. She lived long enough to see her family grow to an unbelievable 550 descendants — children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even great-great-grandchildren.
What she lacked in worldly possessions, she made up for in spiritual wealth. Safta gave out blessings to everyone — friends, family, strangers. And sure, she made it very clear who her favourites were too. Watching her chat with another elderly Yemenite woman, both laughing and showering each other with blessings, I couldn’t help but think: this is what we’re losing.
A generation that didn’t need much to be grateful. Just faith. Family. Maybe a little khat leaf to chew and a giant shisha pipe in the shed.
Now, in 2025, I feel miles away from that simplicity. I miss her already. I miss her laugh. Her smile. Her blessings.
I hope this tribute reminds you — like it reminded me — to find joy in the simple things and bless everyone around you.
If you're curious to know more about my personal story, you can read about it in my book at RebelFromTheStart.com
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COMMENTS
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Bruce Atchison commented 2025-06-02 21:46:09 -0400I’m sorry for your loss. I do hope you remember and preserve her wisdom. And what a full life your grandmother had. You’re right that we’re losing a generation of people grateful for simple things. It’s a good reminder to cherish all our family members and pray for them.
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Lida Kocis commented 2025-05-28 23:42:15 -0400Thanks for sharing, Avi. I was deeply touched. My heartfelt condolences❤️.
Rest In Peace, safta. -
Zina VanBergeyk commented 2025-05-28 14:12:33 -0400My heartfelt condolences to your family, Avi,
May God Bless her faithfulness to Him by Blessing all of her many many descendents with Faith in Him. With ❤️ from a Canadian ‘Oma’ -
Peter Wrenshall commented 2025-05-28 10:23:06 -0400May her memory be a blessing.
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Kevan Chippindall-Higgin commented 2025-05-28 09:55:20 -0400Avi, you in my thoughts at this sad time. Your Safta’s love, humour and joy of life shines through in the videos. You are so right though. These days, people no longer gratefully count what they have but rather maon and whine about what they do not have. This does not say much for 21st century civilisation.
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Wayne Currie commented 2025-05-28 09:36:30 -0400Avi, condolences to you & your family.
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Elaine McLaughlin commented 2025-05-28 08:24:52 -0400Dear Avi, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this sad time. I met you once at Woolworths Beaconsfield and was so excited to meet the man I so admire who stands with such courage for truth in this world. May God bless you greatly Avi 🙏
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Bobby Meyer followed this page 2025-05-28 08:03:10 -0400
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Joyce Jolevski commented 2025-05-28 07:35:38 -0400So lovely to watch, it warms my heart.
Sorry for the loss of your beautiful grandmother.
Bless you Avi. 🙏 -
Sandra Bobkin commented 2025-05-28 07:21:12 -0400Avi, thank you for sharing the story of your Safta. My heart is with you and your family in this time of mourning. Because of you, a piece of her now lives in Canada—her memory has crossed oceans. Though you may no longer see her footsteps in Israel, her essence lingers, carried gently in the hearts of those who now know her name. She will not be forgotten. זיכרונה לברכה — may her memory be a blessing.
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Ronald Scott Tomlinson commented 2025-05-28 06:35:59 -0400Avi…you just made my day by sharing this time with you and your grandmother. Just yesterday I visited the grave sites of both of my grandmothers to trim around the stones…plant Canadian and U.S flags…and flowers. Very timely. I wish you pleasant memories of your grandmother and most of all Peace. Please know that ..I stand with every Jew. ..and I stand with Isreal.
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Izhak Salomonovitch commented 2025-05-28 06:02:57 -0400BDE. Sorry for your loss. Unfortunately that generation of giants is fading away. Reminds me of my safta who also made the journey to Israel from Yemen in the early 50s and has passed away years ago in her ninety’s or there about.
Keep up the good work.
