ELFASSY, Moshe – On Sunday, June 28, 2020 peacefully at North York General Hospital. Beloved husband of Esther.  Loving father and father- in-law of Rina, Samuel and Heather, Ruth and Robert, and Deborah. Devoted and adoring grandfather of Mayah, Geden, Tal, Jonah, Jordana, Daniel, Adam, Dustin, Aaron, Estee, Bayla, and Shira. Memorial donations may be made to the North York General Foundation, 416-756-6944, http://nyghfoundation.ca/ways-to-donate/in-honour-or-memory/

Moshe Elfassy was born in Fes, Morocco. We honor his early story, one that would include the crucial work in a secret Jewish network and Jewish youth movement in Morocco, who were instrumental in sustaining the clandestine Jewish emigration to Israel.

With immense courage, you left everything you had known in Israel, to begin from scratch in another country for the sake of your children’s future. In our grief, we are shaken by the totality of you. Your unquestionable love for your family. Your love for your perpetual bride of 58 years, Esther. Your humility and humble way. Your love of music. Your life-long love of learning. Your acceptance of everyone and refusal to judge or dismiss anyone. How much you enjoyed being with people, hearing and telling funny stories. And the sanctity you held for Shabbat and Holiday traditions.

In one sense your story is no different than most of all our fellow citizens’ ancestors who braved the journey for a brighter future. You were one of millions of ordinary people who came to Canada seeking to work hard, to contribute and to belong. In another, more personal sense, your story is that of a formidable hero who carried everything on his shoulders to give us a happy home and secure future. We can only hope the breaking of our hearts now is testament enough to our gratitude and love we feel for you.

You have earned your eternal rest. Now it is our turn to try and be worthy of your sacrifice by following your example. To be decent people, to care for family and think of others first, to give back to the country which took us in, accepted us and gave us everything you gave up.