One of the most senior American Jews to arrive in Israel on aliyah in the past 10 years, Victor Herman Rousso, passed away on Sunday (June 24) just a little more than a year after having achieved his dream of settling in the Promised Land after having happily settled the rest of his family as well.
Rousso, who this year celebrated his 90th birthday in Jerusalem, became a contributing writer with JewishPress.com, expressing his views on the myriad geopolitical issues with which Israel has to wrestle even as our readers followed his progress in adapting to his new home.
Rousso is survived by his wife of 66 years, Sarah (Nelda), daughters Myra Rousso of Atlanta, GA and Renee and David Chernin of Jerusalem, and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The late nonogenarian was born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1928 into the close-knit Sephardic community of immigrants from the Isle of Rhodes and Izmir/Smyrna, Turkey. He enjoyed a warm relationship with his older 5 siblings and their spouses, and relished his role as the fun-loving “Uncle Victor” to his many nieces and nephews.
Rousso was a leader an innovator in several businesses. In business, as in his personal life, he was a mentor, friend, and adviser — inspiring and encouraging others to reach for their best.
He lived in the Deep South for most of his life, forging strong relationships and making a positive impact wherever he went.
“He was always dedicated to the Jewish community in the city in which he lived,” said his daughter Renee Chernin. “He offered his time and expertise, whether it was to help build the day school or guide a student with a science fair project.”
As a member of Jewish War Veterans, he was proud of serving his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
The funeral took place Sunday night at Eretz HaChaim in Beit Shemesh Israel, Beth Jacob section. The eulogy was delivered by David Chernin.
May the Almighty comfort his family among the mourners of Zion and Yerushalayim, and may his memory be blessed.
The family requests donations in Victor Rousso’s memory be made to Congregation Beth Jacob, Atlanta, GA https://www.bethjacobatlanta.org/payment.php Rabbi’s Charity Fund or Kiddush Fund.