(Hai Pa) – Yaakov Ben Ezra, the legendary fisherman and restaurateur from Atlit, passed away peacefully tonight (Friday through Saturday) at the age of 90. Ben Ezra, who dedicated his life to the sea, fishing, restaurant business, and his family, left behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, love of people, and a deep connection to Atlit and its residents.
Ben Ezra, founder of the “Ezra the Fisherman” restaurant, passed away peacefully tonight. His life story stretched from Morocco and Lake Hula to becoming one of the best-known and beloved symbols of Atlit. His funeral will be held on Monday, and the exact date will be announced later.
From Morocco to Lake Hula, where he led fighters on missions against the Syrian enemy
Yaakov Ben Ezra was born in Morocco and immigrated to Israel as a teenager as part of the youth aliyah. He was accepted into Kibbutz Hulata, where his deep connection to the world of the sea and fishing began. During the time he worked as a skipper on Lake Hula, he led fighters towards Derdara, a settlement located near the northern border. Even under Syrian fire, he continued his work with determination and courage. During his military service, he used the navigation skills he acquired and led soldiers on missions on Lake Hula.
Love, family and home in Atlit
During his first years in Israel, Yaakov met Margalit, who became his wife and traveling companion. The two started a family and built their home in Atlit, on HaZayit Street. Yaakov worked as a coastal fisherman and went on long fishing trips. His family and friends told stories over the years about boats that returned loaded with fish, but most of all about a house that was always open to everyone. Everyone who entered was given a hot meal, a listening ear, and a smile.
“Ezra the Fisherman” became an institution
In the late 60s and early 70s, Yaakov and Margalit turned their love of the sea and food into a family business. Thus was born the “Ezra the Fisherman” restaurant in Atlit, which over the years has become a well-known and beloved culinary institution.
The fresh fish, homemade salads, and family atmosphere attracted diners from all over the country to the restaurant. Yaakov welcomed each guest warmly and spoke to the diners as if they were guests in his home. His presence, personality, and generous heart were an integral part of the restaurant's success.
“Dad, you have become a brand”
Just a few months ago, Yaakov celebrated his 90th birthday at an emotional family event in Atlit, surrounded by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His son, Ofer Ben Ezra, said at the event: “Dad, there are people who are unknown from the day they are born until they die, and you have become a brand.”
This sentence well described Yaakov's path: a humble and simple man, who, thanks to his work, personality, and love for people, became a well-known figure and a name associated with Atlit and the restaurant world in the area.
His legacy will live on.
The life story of Yaakov Ben Ezra is also the story of the generation of immigrants who built the country with their own hands. He left behind a large, close-knit family, many memories, and a legacy of diligence, courage, modesty, giving, and love of humanity.
The Haifa editorial team shares the deep sorrow of the Ben Ezra family and sends condolences to his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all his lovers.
Yaakov Ben Ezra's funeral will be held on Monday at Shaar Brosh Cemetery in Haifa at 17:00 PM..
Tnzbah
Dear man, Baruch Dayan, the true judge.
May his memory be blessed. It's a shame that the legendary restaurant in Atlit closed.
In the early 1980s, I came to their house at the invitation of their son (his name is Fareh from my memory 😔) We were doing underwater work so…
We sat… we ate… we laughed… we experienced…
I remember the story, when the IRS came to them, the mother sat him down, gave him bread, and told him to cut slices into sandwiches for 10 (I hope I'm wrong about the number of children, but quite a few will be healthy, God willing) 2 sandwiches for each, when you're done we'll talk...
He had a refrigerator in the kitchen, but when they came to close it, they couldn't, because Ezra the fisherman had built another row of blocks so that the opening was narrow, and indeed that's how it was, the opening...🤣😂
When one remembers and a smile arises, then the person has lived his life properly…
We laughed, we drank, we ate… what fun…
May you rest in peace, 🙌
As a child, we used to go to eat fish at a restaurant in Atlit that was undoubtedly a brand. Later, I also got to know some of the family members. I hug them in their time of sorrow and wish the memory of the late father of the slave girl to be blessed.
May his memory be blessed🙏
A rusty tin shack on the beach. About 200 meters from the Atlit pipe on the platform that pumps seawater to the salt factory. , In front of the shack, a Sumbok boat, you would go out to sea to fish. , How would Rabak drag the boat up the beach? We were Uzi, a farmer, and I wonder, , Through a crossing, dear man, we, the people of the sea, are full of appreciation and respect, and a family dear to you in your sorrow for a truly huge maritime loss. Shimshon Mashiach at the time Bat Galim, today Eilat for 44 years
Really sad, he was truly a brand that put Atlit on the map, raised a glorious family, a man of the sea, condolences to the family.
He was a righteous man. He who died on the holiday
Considered a unique person.
He left a vast legacy.
Sending condolences to the family.
Who knew no sorrow.
Ben Ezra, the late…
Brings back pleasant memories from my time in the Navy. Days when we would go fishing, we had an agreement with Ben Ezra, since we were soldiers, for every quantity of fish he would prepare us a fine fish meal from half of it, welcome us happily, open a table, sit with us, dine with us, our hearts are saddened. May his memory be blessed.
Of blessed memory.
ברוך דיין האמת
THB
I knew him personally, a man and fisherman of the highest caliber,
Possesses immense knowledge of the sea at a level of expertise that professors would be proud of.
I consulted with him many times and used his help.
A great loss to his family and the marine world.
Of blessed memory.
😍"Ben Ezra" – "the fisherman" = "his name went before him"…;
The picture full of "diners" says it all!
"A fisherman loves fish"? So, why does he "fish" them?
Because, he loves to eat & feed "fish" = "health food for humans"!!!🙏
* I really love fish in all forms of cooking/baking/grilling/searing/frying😂
May his memory be blessed forever!
May his memory be blessed😪