November 5 2024 - We join the wide circle of those who mourn the death of Bernard “Bernie” Marcus. Bernie was a proud Reform Jew whose philanthropic deeds were nothing short of extraordinary.
Bernie invested heavily in Jewish camping, especially URJ Camp Coleman in Cleveland, GA, and URJ 6 Points Sports Academy in Asheville, NC, where we recently honored Bernie’s long-standing support on the occasion of its 15th anniversary. Most significantly, his investment in RootOne made teen travel to Israel affordable to tens of thousands of North American Jewish teens. This strategic shift to fund teenage travelers to Israel reflected his belief that sending high school students for an immersive Israel experience followed the frame: younger, longer, deeper. Through RootOne, high school students are impacted before they head off to college, equipping them to navigate the intense political climate of today’s campuses by forging personal relationships with contemporary Israel.
As a devoted member of URJ congregation The Temple in Atlanta, Bernie believed that Jews need our modern, relevant and inclusive Reform expression of Judaism. His dedication to Israel as a democratic, pluralistic and secure Jewish homeland was one of his deepest commitments. We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Billi, and his entire family. May Bernie’s shining memory and life of good deeds continue to bless us all for years to come.
Media Contact
Steve Feldman
