Faye Schenk
Faye L. Schenk (August 17, 1909 – August 17, 1981) was an American Zionist activist and leader.[1] She was the president of Hadassah (American Zionist Federation) from 1968 to 1972.[1] She was also the president of the American Zionist Federation from 1974 to 1978.[2]
Early life and education
Schenk was born in Des Moines, Iowa, to Naphtali Herz Zeichik and Rebecca (Zeichick).[3] Schenk received her bachelor's and master's degrees in genetics from Drake University.[1][3]
Life
Schenk married Rabbi Max Schenk in 1933.[1] For ten years between 1939 to 1949, she and her husband, Rabbi Max Schenk, lived in Australia.[3] During her time in Australia, Schenk was active in the Women’s International Zionist Organization.[3] On the couples return to live in New York City, Schenk started becoming much more active in Hadassah.[3] She originated the New York chapter located in the Washington Heights area.[3] During her time in the Hadassah organization Schenk at one time held every major office there.[3][4] She subsequently held the office of national president from 1968 to 1972.[3] While she was the president, Hadassah began to start the restoration and rebuilding of its hospital at Mount Scopus.[3] Faye Schenk testified at US Congressional committee meetings so that Hadassah could receive a five million dollar (USD) grant, in order to be used for the rebuilding of the hospital at Mount Scopus in Jerusalem.[5] Schenk moved to Israel in 1978.[3]
Other leadership roles
- President of the American Zionist Federation[3]
- Co-chair of Keren Hayesod–United Jewish Appeal[3][6]
- Vice-chair of the National Council of the American-Israel Public Committee[3]
- Member of the board of governors for the Hebrew University[3]
- Member of the board of governors for the Jewish Agency[3]
Later years
In September 1970, Schenk survived the El Al airplane hijacking.[3] Schenk said about the incident, “Life owes me nothing more. I owe life everything.”[3]
The Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion gave the honorary degree of doctor of humane letters to Schenk in 1974.[3]
Death
Schenk had a heart attack and died in Israel on August 17, 1981.[1][2][6] She was buried in Jerusalem on the Mount of Olives.[3]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Faye Schenk Dead at 72". Jewish Telegraphic Agency. August 18, 1981. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
- 1 2 "FAYE L. SCHENK, 72, HADASSAH PRESIDENT FROM 1968 TO 1972". The New York Times. August 18, 1981. Retrieved May 26, 2016.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Forman, R. Lori (August 17, 1909). "Faye Libby Schenk". Jewish Women's Archive. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
- ↑ Varon, B. (1992). Professions of a Lucky Jew. Cornwall Books. p. 177. ISBN 978-0-8453-4837-6. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
- ↑ Atkin, M.D. (2005). Life's Voyage: Dedicated To Making A Difference. Keller Pub. p. 68. ISBN 978-0-9674128-3-2. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
- 1 2 Goldstein, I. (1984). My World as a Jew: The Memoirs of Israel Goldstein. My World as a Jew: The Memoirs of Israel Goldstein. Herzl Press. p. 223. ISBN 978-0-8453-4780-5. Retrieved May 27, 2016.