Deniz Machmais was born in Thessaloniki, Greece in 1924. She was raised in a prominent Sephardic Jewish family. Her grandfather’s name was David Angel and his wife was called Diamante, and Deniz’s parents gave me her name, but in a more modern version, Deniz. At that time it was a common practice among Jews to give modern names. 

Deniz Nahmias as a young woman

Deniz Nahmias as a young woman

1940

Deniz attended French Lycée and excelled in mathematics. She also learned to play the piano during her childhood, and remained a lifelong passion. During World War II, Deniz and her family fled from Thessaloniki on February 28, 1942 to Athens before the Nazis imposed their measures in March. In Athens, Deniz and her family lived under false identities and moved between homes with the help of friends until the end of the war.

Deniz and Albertos Nahmias's wedding

Deniz and Albertos Nahmias's wedding

1949

Deniz moved back to Thessaloniki after liberation, and married her husband, Albertos Nahmias on March 6th, 1949, in the Synagogue on Suggrou Street. She had two children named Ernestine and Iossif. While raising her family, Deniz maintained cultural traditions and continued her passion for music and saw the importance of sharing her memories and stories to preserve history. She remained an active member of Thessaloniki’s small Jewish community with her family and friends.