Mickey Kairey Garden
PFC Meyer Mickey Kairey
Born December 30th, 1922 - Deceased March 4th, 2016
Mickey grew up on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, on Norfolk Street.
He was one of eight children born to Eli and Latifa Kairey, who emigrated from Syria. Even though he grew up in poverty, he always kept a positive and happy attitude filled with love for his fellow man.
Happily married to his wife Pat since 1950, until her passing.
He performed thousands of acts of charity and kindness, taught young Bar Mitzvah boys and served on many community organizations. Mickey was a talented Hazan (cantor) who read the Torah weekly, fluently and flawlessly for over seventy years.
He was a true icon. All you had to do was mention his first name and people, both young and old, would immediately know who you were referring to. They always responded with a smile and love.
World War II Battles and campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe Campaign.
Decorations and citations: Ribbon with Five Bronze Battle Stars, American Theatre Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Campaign, World War II Victory Medal.
In the U. S. Army he served as a medic, not only caring for our wounded soldiers, but the enemies wounded as well. He was present at the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp. He faced anti-Semitism during his term in the Army.
Graduated from the Swedish Massage Institute.
Sports lover as well as a skilled player of stickball, tennis, basketball, swimming, ping pong.
Lover of Jazz, especially Stan Kenton, lover of cinema, Charlie Chaplin, John Garfield, James Cagney.
A scholarship fund was set up in his name at Magen David Yeshivah.
Dedicated his life to helping his fellow man. A true humanitarian.
He served the community with a smile, collecting charity for needy organizations as well as giving charity to all kinds of people. He worked selflessly for the Chevra Kedisha (Burial Society) and eased the burden of thousands of mourners.
“Loved People” is inscribed on his gravestone in Jerusalem, where he is buried.
Mickey always used to say, “When I was in the army I took care of people, and now I continue to take care of people.”
