They didn’t know what destiny had in store for them when a 12-year old boy and a 10-year old girl married. Ninety-one year later, the couple admitted that they were in love despite experiencing some of life’s worst moments.
The story of Zechariah & Shama’a is unique. The young couple lived in Yemen for their first years, where they were orphaned. Because of local customs, married very young..
Yemeni people used to favor orphans marrying when they were between ten and twelve years old. Zechariah was also open to the cultural norm, and they began living together, not realizing that their lives would take a new turn.
Zechariah, Shama’a. Source: youtube.com/BBC News | Source: youtube.com/BBC News
Surviving difficult times
Shama’a remembered that she and Zechariah never enjoyed a lavish lifestyle. Zechariah was her first husband. She moved in with Zechariah to a donkey barn. She Confessed:
“We suffered. There is no worse suffering than we had experienced. There is none. [sic]”
However, they didn’t lose sight of their goals or become discouraged when things didn’t go as planned. They were a source for strength and support each other.They were able to see their lives change one day.
Shama’a reminisces about moments from the past. Source: youtube.com/BBC News | Source: youtube.com/BBC News
Fleeing Your Country
Zechariah (and Shama’a) were the first of their faith to migrate from Yemen in 1948 to Israel. After experiencing difficult times in their hometown, the couple decided to start a new life in the land that felt safe.
Zechariah gave a simple answer when asked about their happy marriage.
Zechariah’s and Shama’a’s first steps in a new life were marked by their decision to migrate to Israel. You will also live a more comfortable lifestyle. The couple had 11 children together when they became parents..
Zechariah, Shama’a. Source: youtube.com/BBC News | Source: youtube.com/BBC News
He loved to joke around
“I already can’t remember how many there were,” Zechariah JokesBBC News interviewed him about his children. The interviewer asked him about his 64 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Zechariah ReferredHis wife as The “first and last woman”He was married. Shama’a loved it when he teasingly snarked at her. They revealed that they were married for 91 year.
“I never threw her out,” Zechariah Jokes. Then Shama’a spoke, and Zechariah responded. “What? Did I throw you away?”
“Okay. Okay. Shhh!” Shama’a Responded. The lady loved her husband’s dry wit which kept their relationship alive.
Interview with Zechariah. Source: YouTube.com/BBC News | Source: youtube.com/BBC News
The Secret Behind Their Happy Marriage
While some people may find it boring to live with a single person for nine decades, Shama’a and Zechariah aren’t.
Shama’a stated that Zechariah and she rarely fought. Zechariah was asked the secret to their happy marriage life. RespondedWith a simple answer:
“God sent her to me. I was lucky to win her.”
Zechariah RecalledHe was attracted to women around him but he preferred Shama’a to everyone else. Shama’a admitted that God had allowed them to live together and that she was grateful to have spent most of her adult life with him.
Shama’a smiles during interview. Source: youtube.com/BBC News | Source: youtube.com/BBC News
The People’s Response
The story of Shama’a and Zechariah was shared on social media. Netizens couldn’t help but send support messagesThis is for the elderly couple. These are just a few of the comments:
“They have overcome many hardships. Let us be pleased for them.”
― (@Anne Spencer) February 25, 2022
“It’s a beautiful story of two who became the family they needed.”
― (@Deborah Lopez) February 25, 2022
“Wonderful. Congratulations on finding love and holding onto it over the years. God has blessed you.”
“Hard to believe they are both over 100 years old!”
― (@Linda Paterson Lehan) February 25, 2022
The love story of Zechariah & Shama’a is a testament to the fact that love doesn’t have a time limit. This couple has been together for 91 years and is still in love. This story is for your family and friends.. It could brighten up their day.
Click here to read the story of a couple who were married for 66-years and reunited at a care home after having spent 100 days apart. Staff at the care home were moved to tears by their reunion.