Born in 1889 in Jassy, Romania, Max Abelman's (1899-1960) philosophy was "never live a day without doing a kind act for someone." In 1904, Abelman moved to America with his family and, by 1909, had planted roots in Brooklyn. He decided to dedicate his life to fundraising for non-profit organizations and social causes. Abelman became a philanthropist. He raised money for the Salvation Army, American Red Cross, World War I Liberty Bonds, and Jewish social causes. He was soon dubbed "Brooklyn's Unoffcial Ambassador of Good Will". According to The New York Times, Abelman was a fundraiser who could "charm money from the great and small." As a civic leader, he won the approval of many. In a 1919 World War I Liberty Loan rally, Abelman persuaded 40 banking organizations to contribute $40 million dollars. In 1935, Abelman succeeded in saving the Brooklyn Academy of Music from extinction. He was the founder of the United Jewry of Brooklyn and was on the executive board of the Brooklyn Jewish Hospital where he provided work for Filipino physicians. He also held fundraisers for the Library Associates of Brooklyn College and the Brooklyn Cancer Committee. Abelman was recognized by world leaders, ranging from President F.D. Roosevelt, U.S.General Omar Bradley, Borough President John Cashmore, and the Philippine government. In 1954, Abelman was honored with a testimonial dinner for his work related to the Jewish Hospital of Brooklyn. Brooklyn's borough members of Congress inserted tributes to Abelman in the Congressional Record. Max Abelman's enjoyed his home life with wife Bessie and son Alan. He loved reading the Bible, Shakespeare, and autobiographies. He took trips with his family to Coney Island. He composed music, wrote plays, and directed educational films. Abelman wrote two books entitled His Workshop and Social Movements. As a philanthropist, Abelman never took no for an answer. He insisted, "give all your spare time to the noble cause."
From the description of The Papers of Max Abelman, 193?-195? 194?-195? (Brooklyn College). WorldCat record id: 435535990
