It’s not often that Bluffton plays host to a professional Israeli magician. For the past week, Eaton Ayalon and his wife, Mata, have been guests at the home of Tom and Marilyn Edwards.
Having never been to the United States before, the Ayalons stopped first in Hawaii where they enjoyed the sights and sounds of Polynesian life.
"Everything is so clean," agreed the Ayalons of their arrival in Bluffton.
Eaton is the international territorial vice president of Israel for the I.B.M., the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He became acquainted with Marilyn Edwards when she ran the headquarters office for the I.B.M. Over the past twenty-five years, Edwards and Ayalon have corresponded. At first it was by postal mail only. During the Gulf War, he faxed what was happening in Israel before Edwards read it in the news. In more recent years, they talk by cell phone and send emails back and forth. They also continue to send written letters.
“I was always impressed by Eaton’s neat penmanship,” said Edwards. “He would write three or four page letters, all in cursive handwriting. I always print my letters.”
Eaton has retired from serving fifty years with the Israeli Army. Before that, he was a member of the British Army, joining as a teenager during World War II.
Having traveled to many areas of the world, Ayalon has learned nine languages. He speaks and writes fluently in Hebrew, Arabic, English, German, Dutch, Flemish, Boers (South African), and Iddish. His many years of military service allowed him to journey and learn the cultures and ways of people around the globe.
When asked why he came to this country, he replied, “I have traveled all over the world, but I have never been to the United States. I saved this trip for a special purpose.”
The reason for his trip to Hawaii and Bluffton was to present a special presidential award to a magician in Honolulu and one to Edwards in Bluffton. Edwards received her award during a special presentation at their home last Thursday evening.
Ayalon explained that the award to Edwards was rather unusual. She is only the fourth woman to receive this recognition from the Israeli magic organization and the only person who is not a magician. It was given to her for her years of service as executive secretary in the I.B.M. Edwards was instrumental in helping to create the Israeli chapter (Ring) of the I.B.M.
Also mentioned was the support Ayalon received from Edwards during the death of his first wife from cancer.
“She was of great support to me at an extremely difficult time in my life,”said Ayalon.
The correspondence with Edwards and the prayers given for him by members of the Bluffton Presbyterian Church is something that Ayalon said he will be forever grateful.
“I believe very much in prayer,” said Ayalon. “ I am looking forward to thanking the people of Bluffton Presbyterian Church for their support years ago when I needed it most.”
He attended worship with Tom and Marilyn Edwards last Sunday. After a church potluck, he gave a magic show for church members and other interested persons.
While enjoying the quiet, summer days of Bluffton, Ayalon has been seen around town with his wife, Mata, performing magic. Whether at the Common Grounds, Lukes, or Jeanne’s Kitchen, he performs with very few props.
He has been practicing and improving his magical talents since he became interested at age four. Traveling professionally across Europe lecturing on magic or performing right here in Bluffton, Ayalon is able to entertain, often using tricks he invented himself.
He was well received at Maple Crest and The Mennonite Home. He told the residents that it was the first time he had performed for people his own age. Ayalon is 83.
Ayalon closes his act with a famous “hat trick” for which he has won numerous awards. One simple piece of felt with a large hole in the middle becomes the many faces of Eaton Ayalon. He can make over seventy different hats. Children and adults laugh as they watch him transform into a variety of personalities.
“Everyone asks how I did such a trick. I always respond by saying that I can keep a secret,” said Ayalon with a smile.
