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Chained wife freed after husband’s death

Susan Zinkin and Israel Errol Elias divorced in 1962, but he refused to give her a get until his death, making her what it believed to be the world's longest serving agunah.

February 15, 2010 15:36

By

Leon Symons,

Leon Symons

1 min read

The husband of the woman who was believed to be the world's longest-serving agunah – “chained wife” – has died.

Susan Zinkin and Israel Errol Elias divorced in the civil courts in 1962, but he refused to give her a get, or religious divorce.

Ms Zinkin was therefore unable to remarry under Orthodox auspices, or have more children without them being labelled mamser, or illegitimate.

News of the death of Mr Elias, who was 86 and lived in Golders Green, emerged on Monday.