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The Big Winner

October 31, 1986
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By anybody’s standards, Sasson Naftali, a taxi driver from Tirat HaCarmel near Haifa is a big winner. He hit the jackpot in the national lottery Wednesday. His $5 investment brought him a return of $900,000.

Naftali, 43, who is of Iraqi, origin, has been playing the lottery for years. He never scored big but never gave up, he told reporters at his two bedroom flat.

Asked if he would share his winnings with his five children, 11 brothers and sisters and his parents, Naftali replied, “My children will have to work to make money. Even the biggest tycoon in America sent his child to Alaska to work.” He did not identify the tycoon. He said despite the fortune that came his way, he will continue to drive a cab.

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