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The Last Jew in Penang and Malaysia

Malaysia
Lim

Tour Guide, Penang, Malaysia

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Mordecai David Mordecai ( 9th Oct,1921 - 15th July, 2011) was the last Jew , who passed away peacefully on 17th July, 2011 and is buried at the Jewish Cemetary in Jalan Zainal Abidin ( formerly known as Jalan Yahudi or Jewish Road).

He was the last Jew from Baghdadi background left in Malaysia. Modi was the son of David and Mozelle Mordecai. David Mordecai came to Penang from Baghdad in 1895, was a noted member of colonial society in the Straits Settlement in the 1920's and 30's  and involved in tin and rubber. He was also a leading member of colonial turf racing community in Penang and Singapore.

At one corner of the Jewish Cemetary, a special plot reserved for the Levites Jews. The Levites Jews are regarded as High Priest in the Judaism.

There are 12 Tribes of Israel, namely:- Reuben, Simeon, Levi ( Levites), Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad,Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph & Benjamin.