Edith in her apartment with the giraffes

In the heart of the old city of Safed along Jerusalem Street, a wooden notice, "English Library", is attached to an old stone wall and the small arrow upon it points the way to one of the most remarkable English libraries to be found in Israel – in fact perhaps in numerous places across the world. The library – beloved creation of Edith Geiger – has become famous through the wonders of the Internet and You Tube, as the film about Edith and her work which was made some three years ago for Israeli television was adapted, began its journey and grew in popularity. Looking at the title you will wonder what "frogs" have got to do with books – but this is how Edith refers to herself with humor towards the end of the film. However, after spending some hours with her and being imbued with her devotion to the world of literature, both fact and fiction, in no way would I consider her a frog, but rather "la grande duchesse". Indeed she deserves a title of respect for the wonderful work she does through her books and the English library.

For some years she made her collection of books available and carried out lending services from her small apartment. As the knowledge of her enthusiasm and kindness spread amongst the English speaking residents of the area she knew that she urgently needed more S P A C E for a multiplying collection of readers and material. When a downstairs apartment just below hers became available she used all her captivating powers of persuasion to rent it and turn it into the English library. All ages, all tastes are catered for, and a special emphasis is put on material for the young generations as the importance of understanding, writing and speaking English is a must in this hi-tech world. Not only are books for toddlers to teens grouped and stacked onto the shelves but also CDs and tapes with recordings of many of the stories which allow the children to listen and to follow the written word.

The library has also become a place of contact for a mix of personalities from both the orthodox and non-observant communities, young and old, professional and retired. Within the four walls, simple metal shelving is stacked profusely with books and labeled boxes of magazines with some low plastic stools on which to rest and toys for the little ones who don't read yet. Therein mingle a cocktail of Anglo-Israelis studying their choice of books and exchanging knowledge and opinions, lonely people who find with whom to discuss things and, by volunteering of their time to assist Edith, find interest and pleasure.

Up a small flight of stairs opposite the entrance to the library is Edith's home. In both the sitting and bedroom areas the walls are lined not only with books but with her magical collection of giraffes which started many years ago with the ceramic figure of one with whom she fell in love. It was there that we talked in an intimate corner looking out through the veranda windows to a breathtaking view of the surrounding valley and hills, and Edith took me on a verbal journey of her path through life – a life of nine decades, for this year she celebrated her 90^th birthday.  Her life started in Wisconsin where she was born into a Reform Jewish family, attending Hebrew classes as a child. She studied law at Chicago University. However after completing her studies and being admitted to the bar she decided to join the American armed forces and served as a W.A.C. in Europe. There she met her husband who, although from a 7^th generation Jewish family in Safed, was serving as a Chaplain with the American forces. Backed also by funds from the U.J.A., they became involved in assisting with the rescue of Jewish survivors – and fell in love.

After the withdrawal of many U.S. troops from Europe, their time of service was over and they decided to go to Jerusalem and, funded through the American G.I. Bill, went to study at the Hebrew University. However the overbearing rule of the Mandate and the ongoing clashes between Arab and Jewish residents drove them to return to the States before 1948. Sadly, at age 40 she lost her husband who had served as a rabbi for Conservative communities. Then followed an unsettled period in her life which brought her back to Israel and then to the States again. “However, in 1970,” she says with a smile of acceptance on her face, "Life brought me back to the original home of my husband and his family." Gesturing to the landscape, she continues, "I have a unique feeling for the area – you know on Friday nights even the sunset is different here."

She tells me how the library is run without fees for loan from any of her readers; money comes from donations and a minimum of funding. Now she wants to purchase the apartment and renovate the space she has for the library; for this donations have been given and she hopes they will indeed cover costs. "We, the Jewish people, must carry on being the People of the Book. I am, I can't stop reading and now where did I put that detective novel I had last night – I MUST know who committed the murder!" We parted on this note and I felt honored to have begun a relationship with an incredible lady.