Dr. Conrad Giles
Interviewed by Susie Citrin
May 24, 2005
Max M. Fisher Federation Building, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Dr. Conrad Giles
Video 00:47:00
Dr. Conrad Giles
Audio 00:47:00
Abstract
In this interview, Conrad Giles talks about his parents, his education, and explains his passion in becoming a physician. He explains his decision in becoming an ophthalmologist. Giles speaks about how something a Rabbi had said at a bar mitzvah made him consider becoming more involved in the community.
He mentions his experiences with the Hillel Foundation at University of Michigan. He also mentions his involvement with the United Jewish Appeal and Jewish Federations merger and his involvement with demographic studies.
Giles talks about he and his wife Lynda and their family. He speaks about his experiences in his trips to Israel, including the Michigan Miracle Mission.
Finally, Giles talks about his mother, and then speaks about the legacy of David Hermelin.
History of Narrator
Born in New York, Conrad L. Giles was educated at the University of Michigan where he received his undergraduate degree, as well as his MD degree in 1957. He served his internship and residency at the University of Michigan, spent two years at the National Institute of Health and returned to open his practice in Detroit in 1963.
Giles became active in the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit in 1967. Working through the ranks, he served as its president from 1986 to 1989. He was active with the Council of Jewish Federations, serving on various committee posts and finally as treasurer and vice president, becoming its president in 1996. He was vice president of the American ORT. from 1980-1983.
Giles served as co-president of the UJA-Federations of North America between 1997 and 1999. He also served as a member of the board and executive committee of the American Joint Distribution Committee and a member of the Board of Governors and Executive Committee of the Jewish Agency for Israel.
Transcript
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Important Names
Credit as: Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. Conrad Giles Oral History Interview, May 24, 2005.