Slyper has witnessed the reigns of five British monarchs and the premierships of 24 prime ministers, from David Lloyd George to Keir Starmer.
By Shula Rosen
Joe Slyper, believed to be the oldest Jewish man in the United Kingdom and the oldest member of the United Synagogue, is set to celebrate his 107th birthday on July 15 after a lifetime spanning more than a century of British and world history, Jewish News reported.
Born in East London in 1919, Slyper has lived through major events including the Battle of Cable Street and World War II.
Over the course of his life, he has also witnessed the reigns of five British monarchs and the premierships of 24 prime ministers, from David Lloyd George to Keir Starmer.
A lifelong Tottenham Hotspur supporter and great-grandfather, Slyper is also the oldest resident at Nightingale Hammerson, where staff praised his outlook and vitality ahead of his birthday.
“Despite his impressive age, Joe looks 20 years younger and is known for his warm smile,” Nightingale Hammerson said, adding that it is “delighted to celebrate Joe’s extraordinary birthday and the incredible life he continues to lead.”
Slyper volunteered for the British Army in 1939, serving first as a signaller before rising to the rank of sergeant with the 9th Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment.
One year after completing his military service, he married his late wife, Rose, at East London Synagogue. The couple remained together for 73 years.
His lifetime has also spanned sweeping technological changes, from handwritten correspondence to smartphones and artificial intelligence.
Reflecting on his approaching birthday, Slyper expressed gratitude for his long life and described how he now spends his time.
“I’ve had a good life. I feel blessed. And now I have time to enjoy the time I have left, playing games on my iPad,” he said.
The milestone birthday will be marked on July 15 as Slyper reaches 107 years of age, adding another chapter to a life that has stretched across more than 10 decades of British history, military service and family life.