Mrs Sāfiyah IBRĀHĪM

Who was Sāfiyah IBRĀHĪM?

Mrs Sāfiyah IBRĀHĪM, also known as Sophie Abrahim, was a Syrian-Lebanese passenger who survived the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on February 10, 1894, in Shwayhad, Syria, she was 18 (eighteen) years old when she embarked on her fateful journey to America. Her story is one of perseverance, survival, and the pursuit of a new life in a foreign land.

Early Life and Background

Sāfiyah’s early years were marked by hardship and resilience:

• Born to Ibrāhīm Hālūt and Mariyam Ibrāhīm
• Orphaned at a young age
• Lived with her married sister in Ayn al-Rāhib
• Married Wassūf Ibrāhīm Hālūt (later known as Joseph Abrahim) at a young age
• Had a daughter, Zakīyah, born on August 9, 1908

The Journey to America

Why did Sāfiyah attempt to immigrate multiple times?

Sāfiyah’s journey to America was fraught with challenges. She and her husband decided to emigrate to Pennsylvania, where she had family, including two brothers. However, her path was not straightforward:

1. First attempt: Refused entry at Ellis Island due to a contagious eye infection
2. Second attempt: Spent time in Trinidad before trying to re-enter the USA in 1911
3. Third attempt: Returned to Syria after being refused again, then made plans to enter the USA in early 1912

During this time, her husband Wassūf had settled in Greensburg, Westmoreland, Pennsylvania, finding employment at the Kelly & Jones iron and brass works.

The Titanic Journey

Sāfiyah’s Titanic experience was as follows:

• Embarkation: Boarded at Cherbourg
• Class: Third Class
• Ticket Number: 2657
• Fare: £7 4s 7d

On the night of the sinking, Sāfiyah was in bed when the collision occurred. She joined other confused steerage passengers in the public areas, eventually making her way to the upper decks. She was rescued, possibly in Collapsible C, becoming one of the Titanic survivors.

“In later years she recalled that she witnessed the ship sliding beneath the sea and the lights going out, the cries of those left behind being a sound which still haunted her.”

Life After the Titanic

How did Sāfiyah adapt to life in America?

After the disaster, Sāfiyah’s life took several turns:

• Taken to St Vincent’s Hospital in New York for recuperation
• Received monetary assistance and travel allowance to reach Greensburg, Pennsylvania
• Reunited with her brother in Greensburg
• Changed names to Joseph and Sophie Abraham to assimilate
• Had a son, Zackie Halaut, born on October 4, 1913
• Reunited with daughter Zakīyah in 1947, who had settled in Trinidad

Legacy and Later Years

Sāfiyah, now known as Sophie Abraham, lived a long life after her Titanic experience:

• Rarely discussed the Titanic disaster
• Gave a rare interview to the Greensburg-Herald Tribune on April 14, 1967
• Member of St Michael’s Orthodox Church and the church’s lady’s guild
• Outlived both her husband (died 1952) and son Zackie (died 1975)
• Passed away on December 11, 1976, at the age of 82 (eighty-two)
• Buried in Westmoreland County Memorial Park in Greensburg

Sophie Abraham’s life story is a testament to the resilience of immigrants and Titanic survivors, showcasing the challenges faced by those seeking a new life in America in the early 20th century.