Section B, Page 12
DETROIT JEWISH NEWS. December 18. 1964
Impressive Honors for Max M. Fisher
Detroiters Play Major Roles in UJA; JDC Marks
50th Anniversary; 1965 Local Campaign Launched
philanthropic activities and one of the top American groups
setter in
dawhen 128 of its
Detroit's Jewish community, a pace -
n set a new traditio in fun -r
in amounts Of contributions to the Allied Jewish Campaig,
ising and to honor
a
. to open the 1965 Allied
Jewicampaign
members met in New York. at the NeW Hilton Hotel, Dec. 10
its leading citizen — Max M. Fisher.
The impressive formal dinner, whic h also was attended by another 20 fr om my assumption
cities, incuding G-overnor
on hisan l of the national
and Mrs. George M. Romney of Michigan, waS planned to honor Mr. Fisher
nship the UJA. Under th chairmanhip
of
the
chairman
of
the
coMmittee
on arrangements, Louis
s
e
the gathering, and the participants enthusiastically endorsed
general chair
addressed'
community
spokeSmen
Berry. a number of of
the suggestion that the event serve as the beginning for Detroit's1965 Allied Jewish Campaign.
1r. and Mrs. Fisher by Governor Romney, the group contributed the
After hearing a hearty greeting to
sum of S1.100,000 — which includes a number of marked increases over previous gifts..
The move toward increased gifts was made by Phillip StoLiman. who, requesting 20 per cent general Detroit
increase over last year's gifts, urged that Detroit
Jewry should be asked to give an additional $1,000.000
to UJA in 1965. In behalf of himself and his brother,
Max, he announced a gift of S60.000—a $10,000 increase
over last year.
The principal address at the dinner in honor of
Mr. Fisher was delivered by Israel Ambassador Avra-
ham Harman, who paid honor to Detroit Jewry's high
record for giving to Israeli causes and who commended
Mr. Fisher's devoted services.
Governor Romney. expressing pride in 'Mr..Fisher's
loyal friendship. took occasion to affirm his belief in
the biblical prophecy of the restoration of Israel and
praised Jewry's love of freedom.
Others Who spoke at the dinner in New York in-
cluded William Avrunin, Hyman Safran, Irwin Green
and Abraham Borman.
Distinguished guests at the dinner included Mr.
and Mrs. Dewey Stone of Boston, Louis Pincus of
Jerusalem, Rabbi and Mrs. Herbert Friedman. Mr. and
Mrs. Joseph Meyerhoff and UJA leaders from several
other cities.
Mr. Fisher, who was acclaimed at the dinner by
the guests from several cities as well as his fellow-
citizens from Detroit. spoke of the challenging needs
in Israel. He described his early visits in Israel and
the indelible marks left upon him by the sight of new
arrivals. His address was a deeply moving and im-
pressive affirmation of his dedicated interest in the
important overseas relief efforts.
Governor Romney's speech was a tribute not only
to the entire
to the newly-chosen national lead6r but
Jewish people's high standards for humanitarian serv-
ices and to the Jews of Detroit whose record for gen-
erosity he acclaimed.
Israel's Prime Minister Levi Eshkol, Finance
Minister Pinhas Sapir and the former Israeli Premier
and the present chairman of the Jewish Agency,
Moshe Sharett, sent warm greetings to Mr. Fisher and
to the UJA.
Prime Minister Eshkol cabled: "You assume an
office honored by illustrious names and am sure you
it your own considerable talents, wisdom
will bring to
and devotidn. The people and government of Israel
send you best wishes and look to your successful leader-
ship in meeting today's challenges of immip .ation,
settlement, housing, absorption and education."
Mr. Sharett's cable, expressing personal admiration
. for the new UJA leader, stated: "The Executive of the
Jewish Agency is confident his perseverance, devotion
and dynamism will ensure' UJA's rising to full height
in meeting its responsibilities for the rescue of myriads
of our brothers seeking salvation in Israel and for the
welfare of our people wherever they are in need."
Mr. Sapir's cabl stated: "We look to you to continue
the great tradition of participation in efforts for Jewish
solidarity for which the UJA stands."
A Tribute to Max Fisher
By HYMAN SAFR AN. President,
Jewish Welfare, Federation. and
WILLIAM AVRUNIN. Executive Director
• organized Jew ish community of Detroit was
The
National
honored by the United Jewish Appeal at its
Conference in New York Dec. 11-13. One of our
distinguished citizens. Max NI. Fisher. was named to
the general chairmanship of the major campaign in
America for the needs of our people overseas and
in Israel.
This is not the first time that Max Fisher has
brought honor to the .lewish -community. He did so as
president of the Jewish. Welfare Federation, as chair-
man of the Allied Jewish Campaign. as campaign
chairman of the United Foundation, and as its current
year-round president. He does so by holding the major
office of chairman of the Federation Executive. Com-
mittee. but even more so. by his continuous devotion
to the causes in Jewish life and his natural association
with the organized community.
When Max Fisher is honored. the Jewish community
Jewish community
is honored. His ties to the organized
are meaningful and continuous. lie has risen through
his toil in the vineyards of 117e community. lie is a leader
who respects the people who follow him in the same
full measure as we respect his leadership.
His conviction about the services at home on the
American scene. abroad and in Israel are strong and
deep, springing from the investment of his time.
his command. He has
energy and the full resources at
made it his business to know, and knowing. he be-
lieves!
He has the qualities of selflessness and sacrifice.
but what distinguishes him most are his roots in com-
munity life: He cares about all of the services of the
Jewish community—life-saving rehabilitation. personal
and family adjustment. formal and informal educa-
leadership has
tion. survival and enrichment. His
he sees them
matured in the service of his peoPle and
in their wholeness. This is the quality of his leader-
ship. unique in Character and Pssential to our time.
No positive cause is too small and no person too
insignificant to merit his attention. His persPective is
global, but his breadth of vision includes his neighbor
around the corner in the same full measure as a new-
comer in a frontier settlement in the Negev.
We are proud to have a great man among us—
the more so because his greatness is built upon a
foundation of humility and respect for people.