Jackson, a former concert-level pianist, continues to demonstrate her musical abilities.
By Shula Rosen
Julia Jackson, recognized as the oldest British Jew, marked her 108th birthday on April 23, 2026, as she continues to reside at a Jewish Care home in the United Kingdom.
Born in 1918 to Russian immigrant parents who arrived in England in 1874, Jackson grew up in Sunderland in northeast England, where her mother ran a kosher grocery store, according to the Jewish Chronicle.
The youngest of nine children, she is the daughter of a seamstress and a tailor.
She later moved in her 20s to northwest London, where she lived with her aunt before marrying her husband, Michael Jackson (not the famous singer), in 1943 at Finchley Synagogue.
Jackson has remained a lifelong member of the congregation and is now its oldest member.
During World War II, Jackson worked as a secretary for Handley Page, where commercial aircraft were converted into bombers. As part of her role, she signed the Official Secrets Act to maintain wartime confidentiality.
Jackson, a former concert-level pianist, continues to demonstrate her musical abilities.
“She was a concert-level pianist and has even played at the care home on several occasions recently,” her daughter told the Jewish Chronicle.
She has two children, Josephine and Russell; four grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. At age 100, she was still independently riding buses and doing her own shopping.
To mark her centenary, her family held a gathering spanning four generations.
Despite her age, her daughter described her as physically active. “When I walk with her down the corridor, I tell her, ‘Mom, slow down, I can’t keep up with you.’ Her physical abilities are quite amazing.”
Asked about longevity, her daughter said, “Broccoli—and lots of walking.” Jackson offered her own view, saying the secret is “good food and exercise,” noting that she was born before women were granted the right to vote.
As part of her birthday celebrations, Jackson is set to receive a greeting card from King Charles III and the queen.
Previous longevity figures include Joe Slyper, 106, identified as the oldest British Jewish man as of January 2026, and May Mendleson, who was 108 in 2010.
Esther Sachon was previously believed to be among the oldest at 109 when she died in 2017.
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