There is perhaps no greater exemplar of unbounded kindness in our times than the late Eric Samson, Ezriel Ben David z’’l. Eric was a baal Chessed of the highest order. His acts of kindness and philanthropy locally and internationally were simply astounding. How fitting therefore that what would have been Eric's 83rd birthday this year (10 October) fell out in the week of Parshat Lech Lecha where the Torah introduces us to our forefather Avraham - the quintessential biblical archetype of Chessed.   

 

If Avraham was the founding father of the Jewish people thousands of years ago, Eric Samson was a father of the Jewish people in modern times. Like Avraham, Eric cared for every person, especially the poor and the vulnerable. He saw the godliness and potential in all and coupled his remarkable generosity with a good eye, a humble spirit and gentle soul. Eric had no airs and graces, and he received everyone that he encountered with a warm gentleness.

 

Also like Avraham, Eric was an iconoclast who challenged the existing order and was a trailblazer for good in the world. He too has left an eternal legacy.

As part of the Eric Samson Legacy Foundation initiative - Kindness to the Power of 10 - our UJC beneficiary organisations (all of which benefited greatly from Eric’s Chessed) have put heart and soul into giving back, through acts of kindness, and modelling Eric's wonderful personal attributes.

Take a look below at the heart-warming photos and videos captured during the special birthday month initiative and join us in spreading the message of kindness in honour of the late Eric Samson z’’l. You can submit your act of kindness here.