Respondent
Berger, Meyer
Interview Date
July 14, 1982
Abstract
Berger, Meyer, wholesaler, was involved in fundraising for several presidential candidates with the Democratic Party and was National Treasurer for Americans for Democratic Action (ADA);
[T1S1] family history; Polish-Russian parentage; father's mercantile business in Cleveland, Ohio; parents' strict Orthodox Jews; three sons in family; education, Ohio State University; marriage to Merle Ganges; wife's family history; move to Pittsburgh in 1930s; become members of Rodef Shalom Temple; early political involvement at Ohio State; beginnings of wholesale business; interest in theater; various residences; children's education; their families and careers; their religious affiliations;
[T1S2] son-in-law's conversion to Judaism; early involvement with Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA); charter member of Community Relations Committee of United Jewish Federation (CRCUJF); views on Begin's policies; activities with Democratic Party; fundraiser for presidential campaigns of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson; National Treasurer ADA, 1967; unpopularity with Jewish community because of opposition to Israel's invasion of Lebanon; effect of "McCarthy for president" on ADA in 1968; political philosophy; discussion on Russia's role in Vietnam War; friendship with Hubert Humphrey and his visit to Pittsburgh and Berger's home; Nixon's victory over Humphrey;
[T2S3] general United States economy; chairman for Muskie's presidential campaign in 1972; general discourse on politics; visit to John F. Kennedy's home for fundraising purposes.
[T1S1] family history; Polish-Russian parentage; father's mercantile business in Cleveland, Ohio; parents' strict Orthodox Jews; three sons in family; education, Ohio State University; marriage to Merle Ganges; wife's family history; move to Pittsburgh in 1930s; become members of Rodef Shalom Temple; early political involvement at Ohio State; beginnings of wholesale business; interest in theater; various residences; children's education; their families and careers; their religious affiliations;
[T1S2] son-in-law's conversion to Judaism; early involvement with Young Men's Hebrew Association (YMHA); charter member of Community Relations Committee of United Jewish Federation (CRCUJF); views on Begin's policies; activities with Democratic Party; fundraiser for presidential campaigns of John F. Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson; National Treasurer ADA, 1967; unpopularity with Jewish community because of opposition to Israel's invasion of Lebanon; effect of "McCarthy for president" on ADA in 1968; political philosophy; discussion on Russia's role in Vietnam War; friendship with Hubert Humphrey and his visit to Pittsburgh and Berger's home; Nixon's victory over Humphrey;
[T2S3] general United States economy; chairman for Muskie's presidential campaign in 1972; general discourse on politics; visit to John F. Kennedy's home for fundraising purposes.
Subjects
Humphrey, Hubert H. (Hubert Horatio), 1911-1978; Israel; Jews--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh; Kennedy, John F.; Politics, Practical; Politicians
Birth Date
1912
City
Cleveland, OH
Profession
Industrial real estate development
Work
M. Berger Company
Length (hours)
1.5
Interviewer1
Abram, Shirley
Interviewer2
Kabet, Marion
Indexer
Harris and Feldstein
Collateral Materials
Box 100 FF 19
Identifier
ais196440.030
Rights
All rights reserved. University of Pittsburgh
Reproductions