104-Year-Old Devout German Christian Celebrates With Trip to the Dead Sea; Honored by Israelis

Teresa Neumann : Jan 13, 2014
Staff Ynet News

When Oma Ella Kastner turned 100, she decided to "live a little" by celebrating her birthdays in a different place in the world. That year, 2010, she traveled to Rome, followed by Monaco when she turned 101, Austria when she turned 102, Munich at age 103, and now Israel.

(Israel)-Eleonore Maria Theresia Kastner, also known as "Oma Ella," was born in 1910 in Kelheim, Germany. She began a career as a hairdresser before later marrying and raising four children in Bavaria. Her brother was reportedly murdered in the Dachau concentration camp in 1943 after resisting Nazi occupation. (Photo courtesy of the Tourism Ministry)

According to a report in Ynet News, Kastner is thought to be the oldest person to tour the Himalayas and meet with the queen of Bhutan. She has also appeared in YouTube videos celebrating with youth at German festivals and dancing to contemporary music.

When she turned 100, Kastner decided it was time to "live a little" and committed herself to traveling to a different location for each subsequent birthday.

This year, her 104th, the sprightly German was found at the Dead Sea. In recognition of Kastner's efforts, Israel's Tourism Ministry presented her with a silver-bound Bible.