05/28/2024
WATCH: Gary L. Gross Receives 2024 Eisenman Award
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The Jewish Federation of Cleveland announced at the 120th Annual Meeting on May 23 that Gary L. Gross has been named the 100th recipient of the Charles Eisenman Award, the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s highest civic honor for outstanding contributions to our community.
“I first volunteered for Federation 47 years ago and have never regretted it,” Gross said. “Quite the opposite, Federation has enhanced my life as I have been privileged to do this work.”
During his tenure as Federation board chair, Gary helped successfully guide the organization through its first leadership transition in 35 years. Similarly, Gary’s proactive approach to security was instrumental in growing Jewish Cleveland’s investment in safeguarding our community’s synagogues, schools, and agencies. Gary’s extensive involvement with Federation also includes serving as the chair of the Campaign for Jewish Needs in 2011 and 2012, as well as committees covering critical areas of work.
When COVID-19 threatened the very existence of Jewish Cleveland’s agencies and organizations, Gary was tapped to chair the COVID Fund Oversight & Distribution Committee that ensured our community received the care and comfort needed during this complex and extensive emergency. As past board chair of Gross Schechter Day School and the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland, Gary’s tireless commitment to education has helped build a broader tent for our diverse community and make Jewish education more accessible.
Greater Cleveland also has benefited from Gary’s leadership and generosity. He and his family established the Gross Melanoma Fund at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in honor of their late father, Mort. Gary also has been a longtime supporter of United Way and The Cleveland Orchestra.
“The fact that Gary never hesitates to step up and to lead by example time and again, all of these things make Gary an excellent choice to receive the Eisenman Award,” said Erika B. Rudin-Luria, Federation president.
In addition to the presentation of the Charles Eisenman Award, the annual meeting featured remarks by Rabbi David Wolpe, recognized as “The Most Influential Rabbi in America” by Newsweek and one of the 50 Most Influential Jews in the World by The Jerusalem Post, as well as the election of Federation trustees.
