With deep sorrow and profound respect, we mourn the passing of S. Daniel Abraham, beloved member of American Friends of Bar-Ilan University’s Board of Directors and Bar-Ilan University’s Global Board of Trustees. A devoted Jew, passionate Zionist and visionary philanthropist, he passed away on June 29 at the age of 101.
A tireless advocate for Jewish continuity and identity, Abraham’s philanthropy supported Jewish education, Holocaust remembrance, medical research, and institutions across Israel, the United States and throughout the world.
He was a devoted friend of Bar-Ilan University, serving as AFBIU’s honorary chairman and on the global board of trustees, always ready to share his treasures: time, wisdom and resources. Abraham chose to make major philanthropic investments in Israel and the United States. His giving to Bar-Ilan began in 1980 with an ongoing commitment to build and support the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Economics and Business Administration at Bar-Ilan University.
Over the years, he was someone who stepped forward to support many new initiatives at the university as they emerged. His most recent gift was in support of the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in Safed.
Abraham was a man who spoke truth to power at every opportunity he had. He lived his values with humility and purpose, inspired by the Torah’s call for justice and compassion. He viewed his success not as a personal achievement but as a sacred responsibility to uplift others.
He is survived by his wife Ewa, beloved children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who carry forward his commitment to Israel, Jewish life and making the world a better place.
Yehi zichro baruch. May his memory be a blessing.
— On behalf of the American Friends of Bar-Ilan University Board of Directors and Board of Trustees.