French immigrants win millions in Israeli lottery

Israel’s first lottery winners of 2019 are French immigrants who took home a whopping 30 million shekels, or $8,125,500.

By World Israel News Staff

While many immigrants to Israel feel they “hit the jackpot” by beginning a new life in the Jewish state, a French couple in their fifties who arrived a decade ago literally did just that.

Residents of Tel Aviv, the couple, whose names have not been released, spent 64 shekels ($17) on the Double Lotto draw ticket, matching all six numbers to take home the grand prize: 30 million shekels ($8.1 million).

The couple only realized they won three days after the drawing when the husband checked the lottery results on Friday afternoon, Israel Hayom reported.

The couple kept their good fortune to themselves the entire Sabbath, hosting guests and attending Shabbat prayers according to their usual routine.

“We’re happy that we immigrated to Israel, and now we’re even happier,” the wife told Israel Hayom.

“It’s important for us to give charity,” added the husband. “We’ve given all these years, and will do so now as well. We will tithe our winnings, and then buy each of our children their own apartment.”

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