The Life and Times of Pinhas
A Chronicle of Resilience, Family, and Quiet Creativity

Pinhas was born in 1923 in Vienna, Austria, at a time when music and art echoed through the city’s streets and halls. From a young age, he discovered a gift for reading and language; he could decipher street signs by five, and his mother encouraged him to learn French. This curiosity extended beyond books, leading him to explore music, film, and even mechanical tinkering in his early years.
Life in Vienna took a stark turn with the rise of antisemitism in the late 1930s. Pinhas and his family witnessed the Anschluss in 1938 and made the difficult decision to leave Austria for what was then the Land of Israel. Though he left behind friends, relatives, and the familiarity of his childhood, Pinhas carried with him a deep appreciation for learning and culture.
“I was only sixteen when we packed our suitcases and left Vienna. I still remember the store signs in our street—those were the first words I ever read.”
After World War II began, Pinhas served in a British-linked unit, using his mechanical skills to repair vehicles and naval equipment. His father’s passing during those years forced him to grow up quickly. Yet through trials and upheaval, Pinhas maintained an enduring optimism—something he often credited to the patience his mother showed him as a boy.
In 1948, amid Israel’s struggle for independence, Pinhas married his beloved wife, Rachel. Their modest ceremony took place under tight security measures, but the joy of uniting in turbulent times became a cherished memory. Shortly afterward, Pinhas served in the newly formed IDF, balancing military duties with the start of a growing family.
Although not a famous painter or sculptor on the world stage, Pinhas pursued quieter creative passions throughout his life—singing in choirs, dabbling in painting, and applying his mechanical aptitude to various projects. He would later volunteer for charitable causes, supporting young workers and uplifting others in his community. These acts, more than any single creation, became his personal legacy.
In retirement, Pinhas found new avenues to express his creativity and devotion to family. He spent precious years with children and grandchildren, sharing stories of Vienna, his adventures during wartime, and the importance of perseverance. Though time and circumstances changed, Pinhas remained the steadfast heart of the family—ever ready with a caring word and an encouraging smile.
This website, lovingly curated by his descendants, is a tribute to Pinhas’s journey and the values he cherished: resilience, family, and the quiet delight found in lifelong learning. May his story inspire future generations to embrace curiosity and compassion in all they do.