Amos Hakham

When he was 22, after his father died, he was hired as a clerk at the Institute for the Blind in Jerusalem in return for meals and pocket money.

In addition to his clerical duties, he tutored blind students studying at regular high schools in Jerusalem and helped to publish a Bible in Braille.

Some of Amos' neighbors in Sha'arei Hesed, who knew of his erudition in the Bible, encouraged him to enter the contest.

Hakham was a star of the national contest, which was held at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem on 4 August 1958, and broadcast live on the radio.

[6] The Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, who was an avid Bible enthusiast, attended the contest and at the end of it handed the prize to Hakham.

Hakham, who had always been shy, suddenly became the center of national and international interest due to his vast knowledge and personal story.

[5] The Prime Minister accompanied him on a tour around the country and he was invited to teach Bible at the Ayanot agricultural school.