**************L.INCOLN
NE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 68508
68508
Celebrating More Than 75 Years Vol. LXXIV
No. 45
Omaha, NE
13 Tammuz, 5757
July 18,1997
Klutznick by Joseph Aaron, Editor, Chicago Jewish News
His life has spanned much of this century. His life has shaped much of this century. Or, more accurately, his lives. For what Philip Klutznick has achieved in but one sphere of his activities is remarkable. That he has done so much in so many spheres is truly amazing. When Philip Klutznick celebrated his 90th birthday last week, there is much for us as Jews, as lovers of Israel, as citizens of the world, as Americans, to celebrate about the life and contributions of this remarkable man. His achievements as a businessman are the stuff of legend: creator of the suburb of Park Forest; Developer of Old Orchard, Oak Brook and River Oaks shopping malls; builder of Water Tower Place; one of the major guiding spirits behind the Dearborn Park redevelopment; chairman of one of the most successful development companies in the United States. And more. His achievements as a government official are the stuff of legend: service in seven administrations from Franklin Roosevelt to Jimmy Carter; wartime commissioner of the Federal Public Housing Authority; United States Ambassador to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Secretary of Commerce. And more. His achievements as a Jewish leader are the stuff of legend: International president of B'nai B'rith; president of the World Jewish Congress; founder of ~ the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations; president of the Memorial Foundation for Jewish Culture; vide president of the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany; one of the creators of the Museum of the Diaspora. And more. . His achievements on behalf of and in the service of the state of Israel are the stuff of legend: developer of the southern port of Ashdod; negotiator whose personal intervention led to the release from detention of 8,500 Moroccan Jews, winning their < right to go to Israel; backstage contact responsible for the Soviets letting our people go; steadfast conciliator when the Eisenhower administration's hostility to Israel was clear, so clear that Secretary of State John Foster Dulles said his Mideast policy was based on "the need to allay Arab discontent arising from the establishment of the state of Israel;" prophetic visionary who saw the only path
From Generation to Generation opening night to benefit NJHS
that would lead to peace a decade before events proved him right. And more. As he celebrated his 90th birthday, Philip Klutznick is no longer in the public spotlight, no longer a voice of courage and conciliation, of reason and intelligence. Though he is, says son, Jim, "in pretty good shape physically and can still charm you with that impish grin," he lives quietly, enduring the effects of Alzheimer's Disease. But while that merciless ailment may have robbed him of much of his memory, a look back at the life and contributions of Philip Klutznick is one filled with memories, with major innovations, courageous stands, innovative approaches, human touches. It was a life that began on July 9, 1907, in Kansas City, where Philip Klutznick was born to Morris and Minnie Klutznick, Orthodox Jews from Eastern Europe who had Come to this country in the great migration at the end of the 19th century. His father began as a shoe salesman, eventually owning his own shoe store..The Klutznicks' first home was above that store. A fact of his life that didn't change, though Philip's life would see him reach heights and go places very far from humble beginnings in Kansas City. A point that was made in jest during his Senate confirmation hearing to be Secretary of Commerce in 1980. As he was introduced, his background was described, and then it was noted that he was "still' living above the store." Only this time, it was liis 72nd floor apartment on'the top of Water Tower Place ill downtown Chicago, a place he had built. But business wasn't what first got Klutznick's attention. It was Jewish life, a passion that would never leave him. Concerned that young Jews should have clubs of their own, he became active in AZA, the youth arm of B'nai B'rith. It wasn't long before he was elected Grand Aleph Godol, the head of but the first of many Jewish organizations he would come to lead. His Jewish involvement escalated when he moved to Omaha, where he attended law school at Creighton University. After graduating and after meeting the woman who would be his wife for more than 60 years, Ethel Riekes, he decided to settle in Omaha. (Family members Henry and Dorothy
Riekes, Max Riekes, Steve and Margo Riekes and Carland J5oe_Riekesstill,jiyein Omaha)...-..,, ...'.'/ Y Whichjs where hisanyqlvement in government began, which'would eventually lead to his business career. As an assistant corporation counsel for the city, Klutznick became an expert on how a city might use New Deal legislation to attract funds to improve the quality of life for its citizens. -. That led him to become involved both in the effort to provide more public housing to those suffering the devastating effects of the Depression, and also to revolutionize the nature of home mortgages to make them more available to more people. It was that work that brought Klutznick into contact with two kinds of people with whom he would come to spend much time in his life: politicians and real estate developers. ;
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YacHad seeks van for outing by Diane Axler Baum
by Louise Abramson
The Sept. 18 opening night performance of Karen Sokolof Javitch's musical, From Generation to Generation, is dedicated to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, according to its president, Joan Bernstein. . , Elaine Jabenis, who will direct a cast of 17, is also a creative force behind the musical, along with Roxanne Wach. The 15 original songs, written by Javitch with some additional lyrics by Joanie Jacobson, form the basis of the show about the life of the main character, Rose Liberman, and her unique gift to her unborn granddaughter. For that reason, Javitch said she will "donate the proceeds of opening night to the NJHS to help ensure their future archival work." Tickets for the evening are $50 for Gold Patrons and $25 for Silver Patrons. Following the performance, a wine and sweets buffet reception will be hosted by the Historical Society. Reservations may bo made by calling the NJHS office, 334-6441 or 334-6442 or by sending checks, made out to NJHS, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE, 68154-2198. Other performances, open to the general public, will be on September 20,21,25,27 and 28.
Philip Klutznick
Linda Novak, Yachad adviser, knows how important it is for persons with disabilities to maintain peer contact during the summer, and she planned a number of activities accordingly. Now she's calling for help: The group needs a large van to finalize transportation arrangements for a full-day outing in August. "We want to end the summer with a bang-up day of fun," she said. The Sunday event will take place either Aug. 3 or .Aug. 1 7 . - ,
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Three spots are being_considered for the outing: Mahoney Park for picnicking, swimming and paddle boating; Des Moines to visit Adventureland and the botanical gardens; or Lincoln's Morrill Hall to see the archeological exhibits and the zoo. Yachad, which means "together" in Hebrew, is sponsored by the National Jewish Council for the Disabled. The Omaha chapter welcomes any Jewish individual, at least age 12 chronologically, who has one or more physical, mental, emotional or developmental disabilities. "Membership in Yachad has nothing to do with synagogue affiliation or absence thereof," Mrs. Novak said. "
Members of Yachad enjoyed an afternoon at Omaha's Heartland of America Park. This Sunday, July 20, Yachad members will attend a Royals game. In June, the group went on a miniature golf outing and spent a day at the Henry Doorly Zoo. (Continued on page 2)