Sadly, my darling Yael, you will never know your uncle Nahum Bedein. After a four-year corageous battle with renal cancer, Nahum passed away today in a Jerusalem hospice where he spent his final days. He was just 55, two years older than me and far, far too young to die.
I first met Nahum 31 years ago. He had married Susan, the sister of my then wife-to-be, Veronica. He warmly welcomed me into the extended Kennard family. He was full of fun and good humour, and I always enjoyed his company. He was a lovely brother-in-law.
Born in Philadelphia as Neal, he changed his name to Nahum when he made aliya. He leaves behind his mother, Miriam Bedein who still lives in Philadelphia (his father, Philip, died some years ago); brother, David; sister, Helen Miller; his wife, Susan, who is your great aunt; and four sons: Amihai,; Yehezkel; Gilad, Lior and two granddaughters: Amit and Lia.
Nahum was an easy-going, happy-go-lucky character. In spite of his terrible illness, he remained upbeat and positive. The treatment he had to endure was quite horrible, and yet I never heard him complain. Above all, Nahum had a huge heart. He was tactile, always hugging me tightly when we met. He was so very proud of his four boys, as well as his two beautiful granddaughters. Thankfully, he was able to live long enough to enjoy the weddings of two of his sons and to welcome into the world his grandchildren.
It was Nahum who reached out to me during my marital difficulties. Unlike many others, he was unjudgemental, proactively offering his support and friendship. I considered Nahum as a good friend, and I will miss him.
You will not remember Nahum, my darling Yael, but I brought him to the hospital to meet you when you were just two days young. Inevitably, there will be many older family and friends who will have passed on by the time you read this. But I want you to know that Nahum was a terrific fellow who you would have liked very much. May fond memories of him endure, and may he rest in peace.
Grandpa Jonathan
Prague, Czech Republic
