Israel Goldstein (June 18, 1896 - 1986) was an American rabbi, author and Zionist leader. He was one of the founders of Brandeis University.[1]
Goldstein was the rabbi of Congregation B'nai Jeshurun in New York, the second oldest synagogue in the city, from 1918 until his immigration to Israel in 1960. He was head of the New York Board of Rabbis, the Jewish National Fund, and the Zionist Organization of America, and helped found the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
In 1961-1971, Goldstein was World Chairman of Keren Hayesod-United Israel Appeal. He led Keren Hayesod during a period of expansion and growth, particularly after the Six-Day War.[2]
On his eightieth birthday, Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and other government and Zionist movement officials gathered at his home to pay him tribute.[3]
The Israel Goldstein Synagogue on the Givat Ram campus of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem was built in his honor. [5] The Israel Goldstein Youth Village in Jerusalem was also named for him. The Israel Goldstein Prize for Distinguished Leadership is the highest honor bestowed by Keren Hayesod.The prize has been awarded annually since 1980, the 60th anniversary of Keren Hayesod.[6]