In honor of my dad.

My dad’s hard work and success as a businessman following World War II left a legacy for me to honor. As a first-generation American and veteran of the Second World War, he cherished and extoled the rights and opportunities we American Jews enjoy. “Uncle Sam’s been very good to me,” he used to say.

I learned from Dad that American opportunity and other rights guaranteed for all were not evenly distributed. He created opportunities for me to see and understand marginalization of people right here in the USA. During the American civil rights struggle in the 1960’s, together we witnessed the struggle to increase equality for all. As his business took him abroad, he located and visited relatives in the Soviet Union, whom he later helped emigrate to the USA or to Israel in search of true equality. I came to understand that democracy requires hard work and unceasing vigilance. This work remains unfinished. Israel faces the same issues.

Now a dynamo of intellectual, social, and economic productivity, Israel has the potential to become a beacon of hope, ideals and fair play in a region where these are rare. Dad discovered NIF, an agent of progressive change. As actions speak louder than words, NIF brings diverse segments of the Israeli population together, acknowledging common humanity.

Winston Churchill declared, “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.” What better way to honor Dad’s legacy than to pass it on by supporting and strengthening democracy through the New Israel Fund, striving to make these precious ideals a reality for all Israelis, regardless of gender, color, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion.

Disclaimer: New Israel Fund is not engaged in legal or tax advisory services. Please consult with your professional advisor as to which giving vehicle is right for you, and when creating bequests, seek drafting and counsel from an attorney.