A "people person" is in our midst and he is Maurice Kamo.  Anne Frank said, "Whoever is happy will make others happy, too." That epitomizes Maurice, who was born in Damascus, Syria. He lived with his parents and four siblings in the Jewish ghetto under the restrictions imposed by the government due to anti-semitism. He received his basic Hebrew education at the Talmud Torah, Abraham ben Meymoun, and the values learned remain with him today.

When his French Junior High School in Syria was burned by Syrian protesters, Maurice's parents sent him to a boarding school in Lebanon to continue his education For the first four years, life was good in Lebanon. The quality of education was superior, and the school was located steps away from the Mediterranean. However, this did not last. A civil war broke out, with constant fighting between ethnic groups, and Maurice devised plans to come to America as a refugee escapee.

Thanks to the efforts of an aunt in the United States, and an underground Jewish organization working in Lebanon, he arrived in Brooklyn in 1964 to live with his father's sister, Aunt Mary.

In Lebanon, Maurice was a student in a French pharmacy school, and upon arriving in the United States, he worked as a laboratory technician earning enough money to attend college full-time. He attended Columbia University School of Pharmacy, which enabled him to receive his pharmaceutical license in New York and New Jersey. Presently, Maurice is self-employed in the pharmaceutical and clinical packaging business.

Maurice, who has traveled to Israel, France, Croatia, Italy, Canada, and various parts of North America, communicates with people in their own language. In Israel, he utilizes three languages: Arabic, English, and Hebrew.

Maurice resides in Wayne with his lovely wife Lena and is the proud father of two sons, David and Ari, proud father-in-law of Meredith and Shira, and VERY proud of two granddaughters, Avery and Jordyn. He spends his free time playing golf, squash, and tennis, and enjoys listening to jazz and classical music.

While participating in leading services, reading Torah, reading Haftorah and serving as Gabbai, it appears as if he is smiling from within. He enjoys being with the "regulars" at morning minyan and Shabbat services. At those times, we view him as wise and generous imparting his knowledge to others.

Maurice wishes that all members would participate, as he does, in all parts of the services. He enjoys learning more about our Jewish culture and heritage and wishes everyone Hag Sameach!

When in his company, one has the need to respond to the happy disposition of this man.

How fortunate we are at Shomrei Torah to have him as an active member of our Congregation