Documents

IN MEMORIUM

 IRVING BLUM

     It is with profound sorrow and a keen sense of individual personal loss that the officers and the Board of Directors of the Associated Jewish Charities and Welfare Fund mark the passing of Irving Blum on August 11, 1973.

     Irving Blum was a leader among men. He was also a man with deep concern for his fellow man, a limitless compassion for those less fortunate than himself. He had an intuitive grasp of the problems facing the community, particularly the Jewish Community that was so dear to him, and he approached these problems with imagination and unfettered, uncluttered thinking.

     We at the associated were indeed privileged to have had the benefit of his wise counsel for so many years. He served as first president of the newly unified Associated Jewish Charities and Welfare Fund from 1969 through 1971, as Campaign Chairman before that, as Chairman of the Israel Emergency Fund in 1967, and he held an imposing list of other key posts.

     His interests were varied, his talents sought by governors, mayors, and national leaders, by hospitals, colleges and communal institutions. He was president of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation from 1966 to 1968, and even after the onslaught of his tragic illness, he was elected President of the Council of Jewish Federations and Welfare Funds, one of the most prestigious posts in the entire Jewish Community at home and abroad.

     On the national and international scene Irving Blum's incomparable leadership qualities also made themselves felt in the United Jewish Appeal, the United Israel Appeal, and the Jewish Agency, just to cite a few instances. As Chairman of the Council's Task Force on Jewish Identity and later as Chairman of its Institute for Jewish Life he not only had a profound influence on jewish life in the United States but his influence will ultimately change its direction.

     To every task Irving Blum brought the force and the strength of his great personal magnetism, of his magnificent gift of oratory, and of the creativity of his brilliant mind ... and left his indelible imprint.

The community is all the richer for Irving Blum's great talents; we for having known him and having worked with him.

We share with his beloved family their feeling of intense personal grief and loss.

To Lois, his wife; to Lawrence, Jeffry and Patty, his children; to his brother, Alvin; and sister, Marjorie; we express our deepest sympathies.

ROBERT I. HILLER, Executive Vice President

SIDNEY LANSBURGH, Jr, President

Associated Jewish Charities and Welfare Fund  -  Baltimore, Maryland   August 22, 1973