As the sole member of my family, who fortuitously left Poland one year before the outbreak of World War II, thus personally escaping the ravages of the Shoah (to which my entire nuclear and extended family fell victim), I am eternally grateful to this country, which for me became literally the “goldene medine”.

After my US Army service during World War II, I seized the opportunity, under the education provision of the GI Bill of Rights, and completed a course of study which enabled me to pursue a career path in the United States Foreign Service, culminating upon retirement, in the position of U.S. Consul General.

I was further most fortunate in finding a life’s mate, who has truly been the fountainhead of our loving family of three children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. We both come from traditional Jewish families, deeply imbued with the ethical values of our ancient people. As a child, I often heard my father propound Rabbi Hillel’s precept on the essence of Judaism: “V’eahafta l’reacha kamocha” (love thy neighbor as thyself). This dictum resonated with me throughout my life, and has become for both of us the hallmark of the Jewish ethos. Tzedakah toward those in need is its ultimate expression, and we have made a commitment, within our limited means, to this quintessential Jewish value.

Also, we regard community service as important. My wife, Gloria, has set an example for our children through her commitment to Jewish causes by her active service in various Jewish organizations in San Diego.

Hatikvah (hope) and Tzedakah are a winning combination, and we hope that our modest acts of tzekakah, through the San Diego Jewish Community Foundation, will honor the memory of our parents, and set an example for our children and grandchildren to emulate.