Baruch Korff
Baruch Korff (July 4, 1914 – July 26, 1995) was a longtime Jewish community activist. He was politically close to Richard Nixon, and was known as "Nixon's rabbi."
Early years
Korff was born in Ukraine and emigrated to the United States in 1927. He was active in the anti-Nazi movement prior to and during World War II, and was an active supporter of the development of a Jewish state in Palestine.
In 1947 in the aftermath of the Exodus (ship) incident, he led a Stern Gang plot to bomb London in protest. He was arrested by the French, but released after a 17-day hunger strike.
He worked for many years as a rabbi in Taunton, Massachusetts.
Relationship with Nixon
After his retirement, Korff became an active supporter of Richard Nixon, despite Nixon's known anti-Semitism. He defended Nixon during Nixon's growing unpopularity over Watergate.
Korff met with Nixon on May 13, 1974, after which he wrote the book The Personal Nixon: Staying on the Summit.
Personal life
Rabbi Baruch Korff was married to Rebecca. Their daughter is Zamira. He is the Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Agudath Achim in Taunton, Massachusetts.
External links
- Obituary from Jewish News Weekly
- 'Source of Strength' from Time magazine
- A summary of his life written by a family member
- The Personal Nixon: Staying on the Summit
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