Missing in Surfside: Arnie and Myriam Notkin

by Tzali Reicher – chabad.org

Myriam and Arnie Notkin met more than 40 years after she emigrated from Cuba with the wave of immigrants who arrived in Florida after the communists seized power in 1959. She was a widow with three daughters when they married, and the couple has spent 20 years of joy and happiness together.

Both had long careers. Arnie worked as a physical education teacher and Myriam as a banker and real estate agent before they retired and embraced the next stage of their lives. Always with a story to tell, Arnie is an institution in the Miami Beach community and takes great pride in his students. Long after they had graduated, he always has a nice word and memory to share about them.

In a lengthy tribute shared on CNN, their friend and North Miami Beach Commissioner, Fortuna Smukler, remembered how kind, caring and warm they are. Myriam was close with Smukler’s mother and takes care to mention her every time they met—even four decades after her passing— making it clear to Smukler how much Myriam truly treasures their relationship.

The Notkins live on the 3rd floor of Champlain Towers South and were home the night of the devastating collapse. They have not been heard from since, and their family is praying to hear good news soon.

The public is asked to pray for Miriam bat Sarah, her husband, Arnie, and all other victims of the collapse.

This article has been reprinted with permission from chabad.org