Louis Harris

WHETHER it was hot-air ballooning, camping in inhospitable terrain or going on safari, the spirit of adventure never left Louis Harris, who has died aged 91.

Rabbi Jason Kleiman told mourners: "We have truly lost a giant in our community."

Beth Hamidrash Hagadol Synagogue member Louis gave of his wisdom, kindness and generosity, coming to the shul's rescue on numerous occasions, "without fanfare and certainly not looking for yichus," Rabbi Kleiman said.

"His work for Israel was known nationally and internationally. He was a passionate Zionist; in fact, his telephone number ended in 5708, the Hebrew year when Israel was founded.

"His love for Israel and the Jewish people are a large part of the legacy that has been passed on to his children, who have taken up the mantle and the values that he and his wife Adrienne always display."

Louis, born in Leeds in 1924 to Dolly and Ellis, a tailor, was one of five siblings. Educated at Roundhay School, he met his future wife Adrienne Cohen at a wedding at the Jubilee Hall and the couple married at the New Synagogue on March 22, 1954.

Even from the age of 12, Louis was a fervent Zionist when he went door-to-door collecting, becoming the youngest member at Zionist meetings at the Porton Rooms at the now defunct Sheepscar Library.

In 1940, he joined the Home Guard where he qualified as machine gunner. Working as a steel erector during the day and training as an engineering draughtsman by night, he eventually graduated in structural engineering.

Aged 18, he volunteered for the RAF, but was seconded to an engineering division, playing a small part in constructing the Mulberry Harbour landing docks for D-Day.

When the State of Israel was founded and war declared Louis attended a Leeds AJEX meeting of more than 600 men and women who pledged their support.

Louis was trained in the French Foreign Legion, and eventually he and his troop arrived at the displaced persons camp of St Jerome, near Marseilles, where they found many refugees who needed help to get them aboard Liberty boats manned by American and French Jews.

The French police and Surete turned a blind eye to their activities, even assisting as they pushed hand carts containing the refugees' possessions down the Rue de Canibierre.

He once noted: "We came to volunteer our financial and military support, making the commitment to actively fight alongside the Israelis. Once in Israel we did what was asked of us.

"It was unique fighting as Jews in a Jewish army in a Jewish State and with badges that said Israel Defence Forces."

In 1999, Louis was bestowed with the Victory Medal and Fighters Award as a veteran of the 1948 War of Independence.

In 2003, a specially designed park, organised by JNF at Louis' instigation, opened in Latrun near Jerusalem where there is a stone detailing the contribution of the Leeds Machalniks.

Ten years later, he and the Machalniks were honoured with a Pride lifetime achievement award.

After serving as a sergeant in the Israel 82nd Armoured Corps, Louis returned to Leeds and founded a small engineering and building company which became Techno Constructions Ltd.

Among many achievements, his aid extended to the Leeds Home for Aged Jews, the kosher school meals service and, through Bnai Brith, he became president of Leeds Hillel.

He also supported students abroad as president of Leeds British Technion Society and was a governor and elected Fellow of the Haifa Technion.

As president of what is now UJIA, he participated in countless missions to Israel.

Louis was enormously proud when his eldest son, Martin, currently chairman of UJIA, took over the family business.

Martin spoke of the privileged upbringing that he and his siblings received, "instilling within us good Jewish values, setting us all high standards to follow".

Louis enjoyed Shabbat "at home" with all his family around him and looked forward to special annual family Pesach trips to Israel.

He was a grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of seven.

Leeds UJIA chairman Richard Manning said he first met Louis when he joined the committee supporting Leeds Hillel House.

"If Louis said he would do something it was done. When the building needed repair, Louis attended to it, and when funds were required Louis was first in line leading by example.

"Israel has lost a great friend and Leeds has lost a great man."

Louis is survived by his wife Adrienne, four children and two sisters.

Jewish Telegraph - 4 March 2016