His Lifelong Jewish Faith is Front and Center at Claremont ALP

Back in early July, we told you about 72-year-old Ibrahima Barry in an article titled, "Proof That Assisted Living Heals Physically and Psychologically". The story talks about Mr. Barry, a stroke survivor in 2018, who worked hard in therapy at Beth Abraham Center on Allerton Avenue and graduated to the Claremont Village Assisted Living Program (ALP) at Triboro Center on Teller Avenue. According to Mr. Barry's close friend, podiatrist Dr. Samuel Carr DPM, whom he prays with, that since the article's release, some people who are part of the congregation with Mr. Barry at the Chabad of Washington Heights have discounted Mr. Barry's Jewish faith, primarily due to his documented name as being "Ibrahima," when in fact he doesn't use that name in his day-to-day life, instead, because of his Jewish faith, uses "Avrohom," which is Hebrew for the English "Abraham".

The name "Ibrahima" may be the name that's on his official documents and a popular West African name that is Arabic. Still, given his Jewish faith stemming from his mother being an Ethiopian Jew, by Jewish law, Mr. Barry is, without a doubt, a faithful Jew. Is he? Definitely so. Being an Ethiopian Jew isn't rare by any means, as there are nearly 170 thousand Ethiopian Jews in the world, a population that is quite common in East Africa and throughout the Middle East. So relax Chabad attendees, Mr. Barry is a Jew just like you all.

"Avrohom is a dedicated Jew in every way possible, how he prays and what he's all about, isn't fake or phony," said Dr. Carr. "He has a wonderful Jewish life at Claremont Assisted Living where he able to go get to Chabad whenever he wants. When you talk to him, you will find instantly that he has a kind, gentle and peaceful soul. This is someone who is happy, thankful and comfortable of being a practicing Jew."

Every day at 6:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., no matter the weather, Mr. Barry attends a synagogue at a local lumber yard on Webster Avenue in the Bronx. He also studies the Torah during much of his day. His commitment to Jewish life defines who he is, and it is this dedication that shows his love for the religion and the Jewish people.