FOR THE AGES
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY
Max M. Fisher, 1908-2005
AND THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY OF JERUSALEM
Note with profound sorrow the loss of
MAX M. FISHER
Max Was The Key
Max Fisher, a visionary leader, was distinguished by
his singular dedication to Israel and the Jewish people.
"No, the water isn't different in Detroit.
The difference is Max Fisher.
"How could we otherwise explain to the
outside world the disproportionate impact
on so many Jewish leaders from our com-
munity on world Jewry Max, in his quiet,
effective and graceful manner, provided
two generations of Detroit Jews with a
model for leadership and commitment to
community and Israel. Always approach-
able and constantly available for help in
difficult decisions surrounding our people,
Max's influence was felt by those he coun-
seled and, even more importantly, by the
people affected by his judgment.
`As important and as influential as his
influence on the building and nurturing of
our Detroit community (and no matter
where he was in the greater Jewish world,
Max never philosophically left Detroit), his
importance to our people was even more evi-
dent in the capitals of the world. No one can
possibly measure his impact on the policies of
our government, but it is difficult to imagine
anyone who was more significant in helping
Presidents Nixon, Ford and Bush flame our
nation's political agenda relating to Israel.
"On a personal note, I was the benefici-
A longstanding proponent of higher education, Max was
devoted to The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and
was awarded an honorary doctorate for his commitment
to educating Israel's future leaders.
An AFHU Guardian who was much beloved in his Detroit
community and nationally, Max created an estimable legacy of
philanthropy and public service over the decades. We extend our
deepest sympathies to Max's wife Marjorie, to the Fisher's chil-
dren and the entire family.
Ira Lee Sorkin
AFHU
Peter T. Willner
Keith L. Sachs
National President
Executive Vice President
Chairman of the Board
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem
ary of a warm,
friendly and open
relationship with a
man whose wisdom
and insight into the
Jewish world was
always available
and valued He was
never too busy to
CONRAD GILES
talk, and his ability
to frame issues and
analyze institutional conflicts was of •
immeasurable help to me in my efforts to
contribute a little to a world in which he
contributed so much. I will miss him. The
Detroit he leaves behind will be the
enduring tribute of a life well lived.
"The Jewish people have lost the greatest
leader of his generation. Part of his legacy
will be those individuals who profited by
his presence and are committed to the
causes he so magnificently led.
"The water wasn't the difference in
Detroit, Max was."
Di: Conrad Giles is a past president of the
Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit
and of the Council of Jewish Federations,
now the United Jewish Communities, rep-
resenting North American federations.
Prof. Menachem Magidor
President
Amazing Max
AF HU
AMERICAN FRIENDS OF THE HEBREW UNIVERSITY
Nurturing Israel's Greatest Asset
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Lois Haron, Allied Member ASIA • 248-851-6989d
`;61 giant has left us, but his memory and
deeds will live on in our community and
in the world. •
"My late husband, David Hermelin,
experienced Max's leadership very person-
ally, and David considered Max both a
mentor and a friend. It is impossible for-
me to overstate the impact that Max
Fisher had on David's life.
"When my husband began taking lead-
ership roles in the Jewish community,
David became part of Maxs calling net-
work. Although I thought that David had
a calling list that was unmatched, David
was in awe of the number of people Max
spoke to on a regular basis. He and Max
spoke to each other about many subjects
and agreed on most.
`Although politics was the one area
where their views put them on different
sides of the aisle so to speak, even in the
area of politics, Max had an enormous
impact on David. Initially, David became
involved politically by choosing to support
candidates who appealed to him, regardless
of party affiliation. Max told David that
to make a real impact on the political
process, it was important to give support to
a party and to stick with that party. As
always, Max's advice proved sage and truly
led to David's strong commitment and
association with the
Democratic Party.
"David's greatest
joy was writing songs
for people for any sig-
ncant occasion
(birthday anniver-
sary, new car, dental
work). A very memo-
DOREEN
rable moment in
HERMELIN
David's life was the
opportunity he had to participate in Maxs
80th birthday. He chose to write a song that
he and Al Taubman performed at the cele-
bration, complete with canes and straw hats.
"For me persona4 Max has always been
supportive. When I was asked to be only the
second woman to head the United Jewish
Appeal General Campaign (the first being
Jane Sherman, Max's daughter), Max
encouraged me to take the job and gave, as
always, the most meaningfitl advice. It was
also incredible and inspiring to see that even
as Max got older; his approach to the prob-
lems facing our community remained inno-
vative, and he related on every level to the
next generations of leadership.
"We will all miss this amazing man.
Max Fisher's example will continue to
inspire generations to come."
Doreen Hermelin is a
Bingham Farms resident