Ruth and Robert Anolik: Holocaust Survivor Honors Parents with Endowment

When Dr. Robert Anolik’s father was studying medicine during Hitler’s rise to power, he had to stand in the back of the classroom with the other “Jew boys.” Yet after surviving the terrors of a concentration camp, he resumed his studies and graduated first in his class. Now Robert and his wife Ruth are committed to ensuring that the memories and lessons of the Holocaust never perish. They created the Dr. Boris and Minna Anolik Endowment for Holocaust Education in honor and memory of Robert’s father and mother, herself a Holocaust survivor. The endowment will support the Jewish Federation’s Youth Symposium on the Holocaust.

“If there is insufficient education about the Shoah, you increase the likelihood that it could happen again,” says Robert. “This endowment will provide a good opportunity for learning in public schools. Our children will be the last generation to know real survivors. This endowment will help history to stay alive.”

The Anoliks named the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia as the owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy to establish the fund. “With all the tuition and bills we have to pay, this was an ideal way to give funds to the Jewish Federation for the long term without having to pay a large amount out of pocket,” says Robert.

“Once you make this type of commitment and you’re dealing with the memories of your parents, you don’t want any bumps on the road,” adds Robert. “Thankfully, it has been an absolute pleasure working with the Jewish Federation Endowments Corporation. Though I think this may not be a major gift as far as what some other donors have given, we’ve been treated like it was a major gift.

“If the Jews in our community don’t support causes such as the ones the Jewish Federation supports, our future is bleak. We’re a small minority living in a world of assimilation. If we don’t support Jewish programs and stay active in the Jewish community, we may not exist. We have an added obligation as Jews to dedicate ourselves to ensuring a vital and vibrant Jewish community for generations to come.”