A $2.8 Million Bequest Goes to Help Immigrants Start New Lives in Israel

Saul and Helen Moskowitz

Saul and Helen Moskowitz were blessed with a lot of love in their lives. While they did not have children, they had many friends and various philanthropic endeavors which were dear to their hearts. The generous couple also possessed a history of service to the United States, as well as affection for the land and people of Israel and Jewish National Fund-USA.

Saul was born in 1918 in St. Louis, MO to Jewish Ukrainian Russian immigrants, Benjamin Moskowitz and Rebecca Mekel. The family had been forced to leave Russia when the monarchy fell and the Communists took over. Saul learned early in life to work hard and overcome adversity, working as a newsboy in his youth to help support his family. He also learned what it means to start over in a new land, and his and Helen's gift will aid immigrants including the influx of Ukrainians doing just that in Israel.

As part of Jewish National Fund-USA's One Billion Dollar Roadmap for the Next Decade, multiple on-the-ground affiliates are working every day to create a brighter future for Israelis and new immigrants by investing in enhancing the quality of life nationwide, developing new communities and the infrastructure to serve them, and creating employment opportunities in leading industries. The bequest from Saul and Helen will enable remarkable strides towards achieving these goals.

Saul graduated from the University of Missouri with a Degree of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis after receiving an invitation through the mail. He graduated from the Academy as an Ensign on August 31,1943. He loved being able to serve his country and will be recognized for his military service at JNF-USA's Wall of Honor at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem.

Saul and Helen met while she was working for a dry-cleaning service driving the truck to the various docked ships. She and Saul only had five dates before they decided to get married. The daughter of homesteaders who spent her youth on the plains of Nebraska and Colorado, Helen was a lovely, inquisitive young woman who worked as a writer for the local newspaper. Saul and Helen were married for 67 years and both lived to see their 100^th birthdays.

When Saul retired, they moved to Pacific Grove, CA, where Saul took employment at the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey. Despite officially retiring, Saul never really stopped working. In addition to his time at the Graduate School, he was an accomplished and meticulous craftsman, furniture builder, and refinisher who enjoyed sharing his talent with the next generation.

This bequest will enable JNF-USA to assist people in building their careers, families, and lives in Israel. Nefesh B'Nefesh, one organization benefitting, spearheads a plethora of programs designed to help new immigrants acclimate and build their new lives on a strong foundation. Among many initiatives, they run a hub in Tel Aviv where young immigrants can network and learn Hebrew. Another, the Lauder Employment Center in the Negev, recently announced that they are laying the groundwork to assist hundreds of Ukrainians in securing appropriate professional opportunities as quickly as possible. The Lauder center already serves hundreds of young professionals in the Negev and in the North in finding high-quality employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, across Israel, an organization called MAKOM which establishes intentional communities is anticipating an influx of Ukrainians and has gathered a cadre of Ukrainian-speaking Israelis to help welcome them. These projects and more serve newcomers to the land of Israel from all walks of life and the Moskowitz bequest will enable them to continue to do so.

Though the couple never visited Israel, they still felt a strong connection. By leaving a legacy gift to Jewish National Fund after their passing, Saul and Helen's memory lives on through the many lives that will be saved and improved throughout Israel's north and south, as well as creating another enduring connection between themselves and the land and people of Israel.

To learn more about the many ways you can leave your legacy with Jewish National Fund. Visit jnflegacy.org or call 800-562-7526.