Legendary Founder of Atlit's "Ezra HaDayag" Restaurant Yaakov Ben Ezra Passes Away at 90
Yaakov Ben Ezra, the legendary founder of Atlit's iconic "Ezra HaDayag" restaurant and a former Hula Lake skipper, passed away at 90, leaving a rich culinary legacy.
Atlit says goodbye to one of its most prominent and beloved symbols. Yaakov Ben Ezra, the legendary restorer and figure behind the famous restaurant "Ezra HaDayag", passed away over the weekend at the ripe old age of 90.
Ben Ezra's life story is deeply intertwined with the history of the country. Having immigrated from Morocco as a youth, he settled in kibbutz Hulata and fell in love with the world of water. As a skipper on the Hula Lake, he ferried fighters toward the Dardara outpost under Syrian fire, utilizing his courageous skills during his military service as well. Later, he made his home in Atlit with his wife Margalit, worked as a coastal fisherman, and was well-known for his open home where every guest received a warm meal.
In the late 1960s, the couple turned their passion for fish and heartfelt hospitality into a family business. The restaurant they established quickly became a national culinary institution, attracting diners from all corners of the country thanks to its authentic menu and Yaakov's captivating personality, as he was always present among the tables.
The funeral of Yaakov Ben Ezra, who leaves behind a rich legacy of hard work, generosity, and love for humanity, will take place today, Monday, at 5:00 PM at the "Shaar Brosh" cemetery in Haifa.
