Lily Zamel

Lily (Zulaikha) Zamel was born in Baghdad in 1930. She had 3 older brothers and a younger sister. Her father passed away when she was three, and she was raised by her mother and grandmother.

There was a strong sense of family connection, and she had a rich family life full of celebrations, Jewish holidays, cousins, uncles and aunts. Their home was constantly full of music, singing and laughter. Jewish tradition was always embraced by her family, possibly because her great great grandfather was Chief Rabbi of Baghdad. Lily had a wonderful life until the 1941 Farhoud (Arab equivalent of Kristallnacht) when she was 10.

At the age of 11, she and her family left for Bombay where she lived through her teens. They were the only Jews in southern India. The family owned a hotel, and on Yom Tov, they closed it and invited local soldiers in.In 1948, her brother Sol, organised for the family to move to Australia. They arrived as one of the first Sephardi families to immigrate here.

Lily met her husband Phil in Sydney, and 11 months later they were married. In Sydney, Lily and Phil worked in a jeweller shop, Phil repairing watches and Lily selling. Lily was a natural salesperson and has always been loved and admired by all who worked with her.

Lily became very involved in WIZO in Adelaide, and her wonderful personality ensured extensive fundraising for her group, WIZO Aviva. The Zamel family was the largest contributor to WIZO South Australia for many years.

Lily and Phil moved to Melbourne in 1998 and for many years enjoyed independent living, entertaining her large family of 3 sons and their wives, 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

A few years ago, they moved to Arcare Caulfield, where Lily still resides. Lily has continued her WIZO involvement since her arrival in Melbourne, as a member of WIZO Nirim and more recently is very involved in WIZO Forever Arcare Caulfield. Lily was the inspiration for WIZO Victoria to open their Oppshops in Malvern and Elsternwick.