Jack Abraham
new york, New York
How is your Hero working to make the world a better place?
Jack Abraham has devoted much of his life to Jewish causes and communities throughout the world. During the Lebanon War,Jack spearheaded a campaign to provide an ambulette and two thousand hot Shabbat meals to Northern Israel. He is Chairman of the Board of Sephardic Friends of Jaffa Institute in Israel, an institution servicing four thousand underprivileged youngsters. In addition, he works closely with Gosephardic and Emet to send young adults to Israel to tour the country and strengthen their roots in Judaism.
Mr. Abraham has worked with Chai Society at Yale University to help establish a Jewish Library, bringing awareness to Jewish students of their heritage. He supplied a new Bukharian Synagogue in Lefrak City with Sifrei Torah and Prayer books, and donated for use four Sifrei Torah to three different communities in Queens. One is known as “the Traveling Torah”, which has been available to others for trade shows. Twenty five years ago Jack started Minyanim at the Jewelry Trade Show in Tucson, Arizona, and each year helps to collect funds for the local Chabad and Chofetz Chaim.
Jack was instrumental in organizing educational programs under the auspices of Arachim, Gateways, Chazaq, Bet Gavriel and Emet. He was one of the founders of Congregation Anshei Shalom, the Afghan Synagogue in Queens, which was built in memory of his father. He served twice as President of that community, and was instrumental in building Mikvas in Queens and in Tucson, Arizona. Every year Jack sends a Passover package to the only remaining Afghan Jew in Kabul.
How has your Hero impacted your life and inspired you?
My Hero has served as an example of what it means to have unwavering support for the jewish community and individuals throughout the world. His ability to recognize the good and potential of every jewish neshama to be connected to their roots and willingness to give of himself and his time are true examples of what being a heroic leader is all about. I am truly inspired by his selfless acts of giving and believe Jack Abraham possesses the characteristics of a true community hero.