Lief Rosenblatt Makes $1 Million Gift to Shalem College

Lief Dov Rosenblatt, a more than thirty-year veteran of Wall Street and noted Jewish philanthropist, recently announced a $1 million commitment for unrestricted support of the college. This gift, part of the Campaign for Shalem College, will advance the goal of providing a broad-based, interdisciplinary education to the future leaders of the Jewish state.

Himself a graduate of several of the world’s leading institutions of higher education, including Harvard and Oxford Universities, Rosenblatt is a dedicated supporter of educational initiatives in both America and Israel. He serves on the boards of the AVI CHAI Foundation, the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, and the Yiddish Book Center, of which he is Chairman Emeritus. He notes that “as the product of a broad-based, liberal-arts education, I can attest to its ability to help students tackle complex problems successfully, confidently, and creatively. Nothing prepares one better for the challenges of life after school.” Moreover, he adds, “I believe that Israel, perhaps more than any other country, needs this kind of education for its well-being. The Jewish state must produce citizens who can see beyond the limits of their own experience, who are unafraid to take necessary risks, and who can address the most intransigent issues. I believe Shalem College will turn out just these kinds of graduates and future leaders.”

Speaking about Rosenblatt’s gift, Daniel Polisar, Shalem Executive Vice-President and Provost, said that “this gift is a clear vote of confidence from an incisive philanthropist who has done his homework, and cares deeply about the future of the State of Israel. He sees in Shalem College a means of effecting positive and long-lasting change in Israeli society, and we are both grateful and encouraged by that support.”