Hileni Jabbur (Zabour)

Who was Miss Hileni Jabbur (Zabour)?

Miss Hileni Jabbur (Zabour) was a 16 (sixteen) year-old Syrian/Lebanese passenger aboard the ill-fated RMS Titanic. A young housekeeper travelling in third class, Hileni’s life was tragically cut short when the ship sank on its maiden voyage in April 1912.

Early Life and Background

A Young Woman from the Levant

Born in 1896, Hileni Jabbur (Zabour) hailed from the region known today as Syria or Lebanon. At the time, this area was part of the Ottoman Empire, explaining her dual nationality listed as Syrian/Lebanese. Despite her youth, Hileni had already taken up the profession of a housekeeper, suggesting a life of early responsibility and hard work.

Journey to a New World

At the tender age of 16 (sixteen), Hileni embarked on what was likely to be the adventure of her lifetime. She boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, accompanied by Thamine Zabour, possibly a relative or acquaintance from her homeland. Their destination, though not specified in the records, was almost certainly America - a land of promise for many immigrants of the era.

The Titanic Experience

How did Hileni travel on the Titanic?

Hileni travelled as a third-class passenger, reflecting her modest means. Her ticket, number 2665, cost £14 9s 1d (14 pounds, 9 shillings, and 1 pence), a significant sum for a young housekeeper in 1912. This investment in her future makes the tragedy of her fate all the more poignant.

What was life like for third-class passengers?

While third-class accommodations on the Titanic were superior to those on many other ships of the time, they were still basic compared to the luxury of the upper classes. Hileni would have shared a cabin with other women, possibly including her travelling companion Thamine Zabour. Despite the limitations, the journey would have been filled with excitement and hope for a better life in America.

The Fateful Night

On the night of April 14-15, 1912, Hileni’s dreams of a new life were shattered along with those of over 1,500 others. As a third-class passenger, her chances of survival were significantly lower than those in first or second class. The chaos and confusion of the sinking, combined with language barriers and unfamiliarity with the ship’s layout, likely contributed to her inability to reach a lifeboat.

Recovery and Identification

Was Hileni’s body recovered?

A body believed to be Hileni’s was recovered on May 10, 1912, by the steamship Minia. It was listed as body No. 328. The description provides a haunting glimpse into the young woman’s appearance and attire:

NO. 328. - FEMALE. - ESTIMATED AGE, 14. *(15) - HAIR, GOLDEN BROWN. CLOTHING - Lace trimmed red and black overdress; black underdress; green striped underskirt; black woolen shawl; black slippers. NO MARKS - Very dark skin; refined features. THIRD CLASS. NAME - HELINI ZABOUR. Syria.

The discrepancy in age (the body was estimated to be 14 or 15, while Hileni was 16) could be attributed to her youthful appearance or the difficulty in accurately determining age post-mortem.

What happened to Hileni’s remains?

The body identified as Hileni’s now rests in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia. This final resting place, far from her homeland, serves as a somber reminder of the dreams and aspirations cut short by the Titanic disaster.

Legacy and Remembrance

Hileni Jabbur (Zabour)’s story, though brief, is a poignant representation of the many young immigrants who perished on the Titanic. Her journey symbolizes the hopes and dreams of countless individuals seeking a better life, only to have those aspirations tragically unfulfilled.

Today, Hileni’s name lives on in Titanic memorials and databases, ensuring that this young Syrian/Lebanese housekeeper is not forgotten. Her story continues to resonate, reminding us of the human cost of the disaster and the individual lives behind the statistics.

The lace-trimmed dress, woolen shawl, and black slippers recovered with her body paint a vivid picture of a young woman who, despite travelling in third class, took care with her appearance - perhaps in anticipation of the new life awaiting her in America. These personal effects serve as tangible links to a life cut tragically short, preserving Hileni’s memory for generations to come.