Robert Naftaly
Interviewed by Susie Citrin
September 22, 2004
Max M. Fisher Federation Building, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Robert Naftaly
Video 00:50:03
Robert Naftaly
Audio 00:50:03
Abstract
In this oral history interview, Robert Naftaly talks about his early upbringing. He remembers his grandfather always being involved in the Jewish community (he was the treasurer of the Jewish National Fund) and seeing this as an example. He speaks about his experiences of getting his Jewish education after school attending Yeshiva.
Naftaly discusses how he originally got involved with Jewish Federation, and then eventually chaired the Accountant Section, the Professional Division and the Allied Jewish Campaign. He then talks about his passion for and involvement with the Anti-Defamation League. He mentions his experiences over the years and his current active involvement.
From here, Naftaly speaks about and praises the Detroit Jewish community on a national level. He talks about his involvement with the Jewish Community Council, and the Jewish Community Center. He talks at length about his experiences as the president of the Jewish Home and Aging Services. He discusses the COJES (Committee on Jewish Elder Services) and the Alliance for Jewish Education. He discusses the importance of Jewish education.
Next, Naftaly talks about the trips he has taken to Israel, and the anti-Semitism he experienced while traveling in Poland. Naftaly makes a point to mention his wife, Anita and her achievements in working with special education students at Shaarey Zedek so they could be bar mitzvahed.
The interview ends with Naftaly talking about his children and his optimistic thoughts about the future.
History of Narrator
Robert Naftaly is a past president of the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit and past chair of the Executive Committee. In these capacities, he has shaped the Jewish community’s approach to its people. He was instrumental in revitalizing care for the elderly through such innovative programs as COJES and he has also served as president of the Jewish Home and Aging Services.
For the younger members of the community, Naftaly has long been an advocate of education; he has made certain that those who wanted a Jewish education could receive one. For his efforts Yeshiva Beth Yehuda honored him with the Golden Torah Award in 1998. He has also served on the Board of Governors of Wayne State University. Naftaly has expended great efforts on behalf of the larger Jewish community as well. Israel Bonds recognized Naftaly and wife Anita’s contributions in 2000.
Additionally, Naftaly has served as chair of the audit committee and nominating committee for the Anti-Defamation League and served as treasurer for the national organization. For his efforts he was recognized with the Champion of Liberty award. He also served as chair of the Jewish Fund.
In his professional life, Naftaly is the retired President and CEO of PPOM, an independent operating subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer of BCBSM.
Transcript
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Credit as: Leonard N. Simons Jewish Community Archives. Robert Naftaly Oral History Interview, September 22, 2004.