Isaac Olemberg
Posted on 12/01/2009 @ 10:34 AM
Recipient of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation
2010 Friend of Israel Humanitarian Award
Isaac Olemberg is one of Miami’s most influential philanthropists and Jewish community leaders, with an unshakable commitment to the notion of Jewish peoplehood and collective responsibility.
Born in Havana, Cuba, Isaac resettled to Miami in 1960 with his wife, Nieves, and family. He founded Olem Shoe Corporation, which became one of the most respected companies in the U.S. footwear industry.
As Isaac’s business grew, so did his involvement in the Jewish community. He has provided leadership and guidance to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation as a long-standing member of our Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and today serves as a Vice Chair of the Board. He brings a unique combination of business expertise with boundless Jewish passion to every issue at hand. In addition, he has served as President of the Cuban Division, nurturing its development for decades. Isaac’s steadfast commitment to the Federation/UJA Campaign at its highest levels, as well as support of every emergency Campaign that has been held for Jews in Israel and worldwide, is remarkable.
Together with Nieves, he has been involved in sustaining numerous Jewish causes throughout our community, including the Miami Jewish Home & Hospital — now Miami Jewish Health Systems — Mount Sinai Medical Center, the Jewish Museum of Florida, the Michael-Ann Russell Jewish Community Center, the Miami Beach Holocaust Memorial and many others. In addition, the Olembergs are generous contributors to the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Foundation.
Isaac has also had a significant impact on synagogue life in our community through his involvement as Chair of the Board at Temple Menorah, and at Temple Shmuel/Cuban Hebrew Congregation. A staunch supporter of the people of Israel, Isaac and his family have traveled there countless times on community missions, and have made major commitments to State of Israel Bonds, Jewish National Fund, Hadassah and Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.
His unwavering devotion to Jewish education, families, youth, new immigrants to Israel and vulnerable Jews is extraordinary and has strengthened Jewish life in Miami, in Israel and worldwide.
With a profound sense of Jewish responsibility, activism and insight, Isaac has set a wonderful example of leadership for his family and our entire Jewish community. His many years of selfless service to the Jewish people, deep sense of social justice and generous support of vital causes have truly distinguished Isaac Olemberg as the Greater Miami Jewish Federation 2010 Friend of Israel Humanitarian Award honoree.
