Holly and Norm Nelson: Endowment Gift a “Natural Progression”

Holly and Norm Nelson’s involvement in the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has been a journey filled with family and friends that has enriched both the Jewish community and the Nelsons’ lives.

In many ways, this journey began in the 1930s. Holly’s father spent six years as a young boy in hiding in Slovakia. “Seeing where my dad came from and what he endured, and now being able to change things for my children—it’s the single biggest reason I’m involved in the Jewish Federation,” says Holly.

“We went with our kids to the town in Slovakia where Holly’s father hid,” says Norm. “When you drive around and see that there are no longer any Jews where Jews used to live, you realize how precious our lives are.”

After these experiences, getting involved in the Jewish Federation felt natural to the Nelsons. “It felt good intellectually and because I was doing something good for the Jewish community,” says Holly. Her first mission to Israel solidified her dedication to the Jewish Federation. “During that mission, I met the recipients of the Jewish Federation funding, and it really changed me.”

The Nelsons entered the Jewish Federation’s Legacy Society, for donors who make permanent gifts of $100,000 or more, through Holly’s Lion of Judah Endowment—which perpetuates her the Jewish Federation Annual Campaign gift beyond her lifetime. “We felt like it was the natural progression of our philanthropy to be able to make a gift that would endure, no matter what, for future generations,” says Holly. “The process was very easy. We feel really good about the Jewish Federation—what it does, who it helps and how our donation will truly have impact for years to come.”

“What happened to my dad and his family must never happen again,” says Holly. “Our annual gift ensures that our dollars are going to where they are needed right now. Our Legacy gift ensures the permanency of our giving. I’m thankful every day for having the opportunity to give of myself to help others in need.”

“It’s our duty, it’s our obligation, to make the world a better place,” says Norm. “If we don’t do it, no one else will.”