New York – Rabbi Ronnie Greenwald, a noted activist, businessman and educator, died today at the age of 82 while on vacation in Florida.
Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
A presidential liaison for the Jewish community to President Nixon who was involved in the successful release of several prisoners held hostage including Natan Sharansky, Rabbi Greenwald was heavily involved in the efforts to free Jonathan Pollard and was publicly credited by ABC News, USA Today and the Rockland Journal News for his accomplishments.
Well known for his ability to mediate complex situations, Rabbi Greenwald was also deeply entrenched in communal affairs. Unafraid to speak about difficult topics, he gave a 30 minute speech at the 2011 Agudah Convention on the topic of at risk children. In his recent years he served as chairman of the advisory board for Amudim, which deals in crisis management. A statement released by Amudim’s director, Zvi Gluck, described Rabbi Greenwald as “a role model for every askan in klal yisroel.”
Rabbi Greenwald founded the Girls Camp Sternberg in Narrowsburg, NY in 1965.
NY Assemblyman Dov Hikind who personally knew Rabbi Greenwald, called his sudden passing devastating news.
“I am crying today; Kalal Yisroel has lost a giant,” Assemblyman Hikind said. “Rabbi Ronnie Greenwald was one of the most special individuals that Hashem put onto this world. He loved all Jews totally, and was nonjudgmental. He was a huge talmud chacham.”
Hikind added, “We have lost a shining light. I lost a dear and beloved friend. I will sorely miss this exemplary mensch.”
Levaya arrangements have not yet been confirmed. Rabbi Greenwald’s body is expected to be flown to Israel later today for burial.
I personally knew this great Tzadik. He exemplifies the true meaning of a gadol hador. his tireless efforts to help every Jew will surely place him at the Kisai hakavod. I am grateful for knowing him. The world feels the loss. May Hashem comfort his family bsoch shaarei tzion viyirushalayim.
Camp Sternberg allowed all of us to have a great time and it was so affordable. Rabbi Greenwald refused to allow materialisn to play any role in camp. He taught us that you can have a great time without $$$$. Yehi Zichro Baruch.
A very special man who worshiped Hashem through chesed and Masim Tovim. He was concerned for the well being of others throughout the world. A walking Kiddush Hashem. Through his work at the girls camp, he helped create a generation of B’nos Yisroel with a solid Jewish foundation. Later in life he was involved in helping young girls and their families with personal/emotional issues.
I watch the next generation coming up and wonder who has the strength and knowledge to advocate for our jewish brethren? It was not the color of his hat or the color of his shirt that made him who he was, it was his love for others. May his memory be a blessing and may Hashem comfort his family.
Will there be a Levaya in NY?
A true giant of a man!
He helped thousands quietly there will most certainly be books written about this amazing bal chessed!
He was on call 24/7 and would fly around the world like a diplomat with a mission to help anyone from klal Yisroel!
Baruch Dayan Haemes!
approx 6pm at ohr sameach in monsey & at jfk for 1159 flight so approx 10pm
צדיק אמת אהוב למקום אהוב לבריות מציל דורות ישראל לה’ ולתרתו , חבל על דאבדין ןלא משתכחין זכותו יגן עלינו ועל ל ישראל