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ALAN B. SLIFKA

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Brandeis University

ALAN SLIFKA Obituary

SLIFKA--Alan B., a prominent New York investment manager and philanthropist died on Friday, February 4, 2011 at home after a battle with cancer. Mr. Slifka is survived by his beloved wife Riva Ariella Ritvo-Slifka, his sister Barbara Slifka, his children, Michael, Randolph (Jan), and David (Michele) Slifka, his stepchildren Torrie, Skye and Max Ritvo and his grandchildren Grace Gill, Joshua Slifka and Braylan Ritvo. Born in New York City in 1929, Mr. Slifka graduated from the Fieldston School, received his B.S. from Yale in 1951, and his M.B.A. from Harvard in 1953. In 2003, he received an honorary Doctorate from Brandeis University and also in 2008 Mr. Slifka received an Honorary Doctorate in the field of Coexistence from Haifa University. Mr. Slifka was the founder and co-chairman of Halcyon Asset Management LLC. He was also the founding chairman of the Big Apple Circus which became an institution in New York. In 1989 he co-founded The Abraham Fund Initiatives, which is the first not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to further coexistence between Israel's Jewish and Arab citizens. At the time of his death, he was an honorary trustee of the Abraham Joshua Heschel School in NY. Mr. Slifka was instrumental in the development and expansion of the school. Additionally, he was a member of the boards of the Jewish Funders Network, the Tannenbaum Center, the Interfaith Center, and the American Jewish Congress. In 2001, Mr. Slifka established the Slifka Program on Intercommunal Coexistence at Brandeis University. Mr. Slifka was passionate about and committed to coexistence, Judaism, and Israel. He founded the Alan B. Slifka Foundation through which he could impact his love for Israel and his commitment to Jewish life and coexistence. We, the Slifka family, will deeply mourn Alan's loss. He was our strong and loving leader, always inspiring us to serve humanity, grow in our faith, and embrace and respect differences. We will continue his mission of Tikun Olam. The funeral service will be private. A memorial service will be held at B'nai Jeshurun synagogue on April 10th, 2011 at 11am. For more information please call 212-303-9442. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Abraham Fund Initiatives, The Big Apple Circus or the Abraham Joshua Heschel School.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by New York Times on Feb. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for ALAN SLIFKA

20 Entries

Dr. Reuven Gal

January 31, 2022

You are missed very much, Alan -- a friend, colleague, mentor and leader. Rest in peace.

Reuven Gal

February 21, 2011

Alan was immortal to me. We had spent so many hours, days and nights together: When he first came to our Carmel Institute in Zichron Ya’akov, Israel (was it 1987? ‘88?), together with Gene Weiner – another dear soul who’s gone – and we had long hours of conversations about the co-existence institute to be – The Abraham Fund; when we travelled for almost two weeks in Northern Ireland, to have a first-hand experience in conflict management; in all our meetings, in New York, Jerusalem, the Galil or the Negev, at his home in Jerusalem, or at my home… In our conversations, Alan was always attending, even when he did not seem responding. His curiosity was endless, his creativity unparalleled. He would always come up with a unique angle, usually looking for the next move that will turn ideas into actions. While not an utter optimist, Alan never gave up on ideas he believed in.
As it goes in that Israeli song: “Where can you ever find people like him..???” -- This is how I feel with the loss of my friend, Alan Slifka.
My deepest condolences to Riva and to the family. Alan has left behind a big vacuum.

Bob Katz

February 15, 2011

Alan we had so much fun, both your family and mine at Stratton, Vt. It is about 40 years ago. It is a pleasure to have known you. GOD BLESS!

Leslie Mandel-Herzog III

February 14, 2011

Alan, touched so many so many ways. We first met in his NY apartment, when he chaired and I was the first fund raiser for the Big Apple Circus. Alan, Paul, Richard, all so much younger then. On to Financial Deals, airport landing equipment for safety, On to Our annual summer party, and watching him play croquet with my husband Arthur...Alan always smiling, calm and strong...now wonderful memories and photographs on my computer. My sympathies go out to his entire family. Leslie Mandel-Herzog III

Steven H. Scheuer

February 12, 2011

Alan's life was a testimony that with courage and vision the impossible can become not only possible, but a reality. To his entire family and all those whose lives he changed, profound sympathy and appreciation for his life. A dear and and old friend has left us but his legacy and his generosity of spirit and heart stays with all of us. May his name be for a blessed memory.

February 10, 2011

We send our most sincere condolences to the Slifka family. We have wonderful memories of Alan that will remain with us always.

Esther Blumstein, Joseph Blumstein and Timmie Rome

Michael Donahue

February 9, 2011

Though I never met Mr. Slifka, I was very aware of his contributions over the years and his death is a blow to the peace building community. Many will no doubt live and honor his legacy of generosity and dignity. We here at the Bold leaders Project will do that!

February 9, 2011

I join all those who mourn the passing of Alan Slifka. I admired his passionate commitment to Arab-Israeli coexistence. When he founded the Alan B. Slifka Foundation through which he could impact his love for Israel and his commitment to Jewish life and coexistence, I knew this was a man I could talk to.

I did not have a personal relationship with him, but I had a deep respect for him. We had a professional relationship. As President of Meretz USA I called upon him for funding support. Always willing to see me, he was always cordial, a true gentleman. He was a man of few words but a man of his word.

In 1991 he published a definitive catalog of all the groups working on co-existence. This proved to all the naysayers that there were partners on both sides. Alan was gracious enough to support Meretz USA, and I in turn became a supporter of the Abraham Fund. We will miss him.

--Harold M. Shapiro

jane robbins

February 9, 2011

jane marla robbins
deeply grieves the loss of a great friend--
to myself, my work, and the world

Talia Aharoni

February 9, 2011

To the Slifka family, the Slifka Foundation's team and the Abraham Fund's team,
My heartiest condolences on the loss of your leader. He will be always remembered as a visioner and an enterpreuner whose work motivated change in Israeli Society.
Talia Aharoni, Founder of Maala - Buiness for Social Responsibility in Israel. Tel-Aviv, Israel

February 8, 2011

Alan was so kind and generous that it seemed effrotless for him. Among his many charitable interests, he was a steady donor to Rainforest Action Network.

February 7, 2011

A while back, some of us were doing Donut workshops on socially responsible investment. Alan would add an occasional dose of reality, gently and with humor. What a guy!
Blessings to you especially during this difficult time.

Tamsin

February 7, 2011

He was a man full of wisdom and compassion. I enjoyed working with him on Rhe Board of The Abraham Fund during the years in which i had the opportunity to serve with him. May he rest in peace! Jim Awad

Sharon Gantz Bloome

February 7, 2011

Alan changed the direction of my life over 25 years ago. He has been a blessing to me and many others. I will never forget him and his loving generous heart.

Sharon Gantz Bloome

Melisse Lewine-Boskovich

February 7, 2011

Peace Child Israel, and Melisse Lewine-Boskovich send condolences in memory of a giant.

Jane Gill

February 6, 2011

Pop Pop, Your love and unending devotion to creating peace in every area of your life has inspired us all. Grace and i both have beautiful memories we will always hold in our hearts. And you were always there at every ballet performance :)
Jane and Grace Gill

Rena Shulsky David

February 6, 2011

Dearest Alan,
Your life was a blessing and an inspiration to everyone you touched.
This fragile Earth is a better place because of your presence on it. All of us who truly love you will carry you in our hearts forever. May your wonderful deeds on Earth bear fruit always and may your soul soar with the angels to Hashem.
With love,deepest admiration and gratitude for a wonderful friend and a truly great man,
Rena Shulsky David

Jacob Ner-David

February 6, 2011

see my blog posting on Alan, may his memory be a blessing:
http://vcinjerusalem.typepad.com/vcinjerusalem/2011/02/alan-b-slifka-of-blessed-memory-one-of-the-greats-a-true-lamadvavnik.html

Walter Beebe

February 6, 2011

Alan we will miss you. You encouraged so many people to realize their personal and institutional potential by your insights, your warmth and your very presence. You have been an inspiring, unique leader here for so many, including the holistic values represented by the New York Open Center. Your impact on humanity’s consciousness will go forward, reminding us to be like you – strong and loving, with a compassionate twinkle in your eye. May your family and the world appreciate what a blessing your have been for so many others.

From your deeply admiring friend,

Philip Slifka

February 6, 2011

To Alan's entire family my condolences and symathy to you all love Naomi and Phil

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