Tel Aviv - A 47-year-old Israeli grandmother of seven has given birth to her 19th child, the Yediot Ahronot daily reported Sunday.

"It came as a surprise," said Sima Zalmanov, of the northern Israeli city of Safed. "I did not think that at my age I would have another child, but it is a great joy for me."

The ultra-religious school principal is also waiting for the birth of her eighth grandchild, who is due next month. (dpa)