Asia Mamadov, a 100-year-old Holocaust survivor and decorated World War II veteran, celebrated her birthday Sunday at Alma Nursing Home in Nof HaGalil, surrounded by family and her medals.
“My mother is a 100-year-old hero,” said her daughter Elena Aharonson, 70. “She fought the Nazis for four years and is one of the Jewish heroes who helped defeat them. It was clear she would celebrate 100 with all her decorations.”
Mamadov was born in Kyiv a century ago and escaped to the Ural Mountains on the last train out at the outbreak of World War II. At 16, she joined the Red Army, serving throughout the war. She was responsible for communication between front-line units and also worked in observation and guidance roles to direct soldiers against Nazi forces. She received numerous medals for her service.
Mamadov immigrated to Israel in 1990, living for many years in Kibbutz Dafna before moving to Nof HaGalil. She has two daughters, three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Nof HaGalil Mayor Ronen Plot praised Mamadov, saying, “These Jewish heroes brought victory over the Nazi oppressors. She came to Israel and has raised young generations of Zionists in our country.”