A gentleman who was a member of most of Melbourne’s synagogues and who had contributed generously to almost every local Jewish charity in addition to various causes in Israel, (passed away last week. . -
He was Mr. .Israel Segal, who was best known here through his association with the Melbourne Chevra Kadisha.
The. late Mr. Segal arrived in Australia from Israel (then Palestine). in 1912. He lived in Sydney till 1921 and then came to Melbourne'. Like most
Jews at the time, he settled in Carlton, where he lived for over forty years.
At the early age of 13, Mr. Segal became interested in the work of the Chevra Kadisha, and worked with such organisations in his native land before coming to Australia where he adapted himself to this holy task with even greater vigour. .
A very pious Jew, he considered the Mitzvah of .’last ’ rites to the dying as one-of the most important of all mitzvot.
When he came to this city, the Melbourne Chevra Kadisha was not the organisation which it is today. He worked initially with the late Joseph Waxman, then with Arthur .Mutz and most of all with Mr. Hirsh Stone to bring the Chevra Kadisha to its present prestigious position.
At the time of his death, Mr. Segal was Honorary. Funeral Director and Honorary Vice-President of-the Chevra Kadisha.
Only a few years ago, when in his early seventies, the late.Mr. Segal and his wife realised one . of their most cherished dreams when they
returned to Israel ; to see many of the people, and places which had been hallowed in their memories for so many, years. .
Outside of his Jewish communal interests, he was an ardent Freemason and attained several degrees of free masonary. :
He is survived by his wife, mother-in-law, six 'children, numerous grandchildren, a great grandchild and a brother.-
