Marco's Victory: 91-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor Celebrates Bar Mitzvah
Marco Par, who lost his father and brothers during the war, is preparing for his Bar Mitzvah at 91. The ceremony, delayed for decades, serves as a powerful symbol of life's triumph over a tragic past.
The story of Marco Par (91), born in Romania as Marco Ferraro, is a journey of survival, revival, and the triumph of the spirit. These days, he is reaching an emotional peak with a Bar Mitzvah celebration delayed for decades by the hardships of war and fate.
Marco grew up in Focsani, Romania, in extreme poverty. When the Nazis came to power, his father, Yanko, was sent to a labor camp in Mogilev, where he died in 1941 when Marco was only six. His older brother, Meir, was brutally murdered, while Marco managed to hide and survive. His second brother, Tzudik, who fought against the Nazis, was later killed in a training accident in Munich while on his way to join the Irgun in Israel.
For Marco, the Torah reading ceremony symbolizes much more than a religious ritual—it is the closing of a life cycle.
From personal revival to public mission
After immigrating to Israel, Marco rebuilt his life from scratch. He Hebraized his name from Ferraro to Par, played soccer for Hapoel Acre, and was involved in extensive public activity, including serving as CEO of the Economic Company in Acre. Over the years, he became a confidant of senior officials and developed a close personal relationship with the late Yitzhak Rabin.
His wife Tzofia recalls: "With Rabin, we were truly close in heart and soul. He took Marco in like a family member." His son Dror adds: "Dad is a person people listened to... his life wisdom accompanies us all."
"It's time for good things"
The idea to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah came up years ago, but the current war served as the trigger for its execution. His son Dror explains: "We felt that this is the time for good, joyful things. For us, this is a way to show gratitude to a father who always took care of us. This is his victory."
Ahead of the event, Marco began studying with a rabbi. Speaking about the upcoming ceremony, he struggles to hold back tears:
"I am very excited. I always dreamed of having a Bar Mitzvah, and it is a dream that came true... a closing of a circle of years. Better late than never."
Now, at 91, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, Marco Par is preparing to stand before the Torah scroll. As his son Dror summarizes: "For us, this is a way to say thank you to him and finally give him the moment he deserves."
