R’ Nathan Werdiger, a Holocaust survivor, philanthropist, businessman and respected community leader of Melbourne, Australia passed away on Sunday, 15 Teves, 5776.
He was 93.
Polish-born Werdiger was 16 when he was transported to Auschwitz with his five siblings, parents and members of his extended family. Only he and his brother Nechemiah survived.
He emigrated to Australia in 1949, joining his cousin Arnold Lederman in a small textile business which later became one of Australia’s biggest fabric makers.
In the late 1980s Werdiger expanded his business to real estate, becoming one of the richest men in Australia.
A leader of the Melbourne Orthodox community, Werdiger once said, “If you have to live in the galut, Melbourne is the best place,” wrote the Jerusalem Post.
“Werdiger can’t explain why his attitude is so much more positive than that of a lot of other Holocaust survivors. It may have something to do with the number on his arm – 184537 – which adds up to 28, which in gematria is koah – strength,” the Jerusalem Post reported.
Werdiger, a philanthropist to many Jewish causes in Israel, Australia and around the world, was one of several Holocaust survivors in Melbourne who have supported and helped to build up the local Jewish community.
He is survived by his wife Nechama (nee Serebransky) and children Debbie Nossbaum, Michelle Feiglin, Miriam Goldschmiedt, David Werdiger and Shlomo Werdiger, all of Melbourne, Australia.
The funeral will be held at the Melbourne Chevra Kadisha in Springvale at midday on Monday December 28.
Baruch Dayan Haemes.
enough is enough moshiach now
In addition to his physical wealth Reb nosson was blessed with the greatest ashirus, zara chayo vekayomoh true Yiddisher nachas!!! From which he enjoyed immense pleasure. An emeser mentch who will be deeply mourned by many beyond his immediate family. Hamokom yenachem eschem besoch sheor aveiley tzion viyerushalyim
Son in-law of the great chosid Reb Zalman Seribryanski
We had the privileged to have met Mr. Werdiger, such amazing person- kind, friendly, warm hearted. May you only have good news to share. thinking of you all.. The COHEN’S(GLOBALKINDNESS).
He, along with his adoring wife Nechama, rebuilt literally from the ashes a beautiful family— all committed to Torah and mitzvos and community. He was the true living example of a family patriarch —caring for and being involved with each and every grandchild and great grandchild. His greatest accomplishment in his own eyes was clearly not his financial or communal success but the nachas he derived from his beautiful family. Having been privileged to spend time with Reb Nasan, what was most extraordinary was his positivity, love, spirit and exuberance for life which was what he exuded from the depth… Read more »
Wish all my relatives the Werdiger Family long life. I cant make the funeral I will be at the minyans.
Dvora Lederman
Boruch Dayan Haemes
Fradel
Very sad
Baruch Dayan Haemes
Baruch & Sara Leah Rubinstein
A true tzaddik!
A very special man.
May he be a gutte better.
We are very sorry for your loss. Nathan Werdiger was part of my whole life. Our families were connected for over 65 years
He will be sorly missed. May you only have Simchas
Shimon Herz and family
Bde