Cleveland, OH – A highly regarded Cleveland philanthropist who was heavily involved in numerous community institutions and organizations passed away unexpectedly tonight at the age of 65.
Join our WhatsApp groupSubscribe to our Daily Roundup Email
A pillar of the Cleveland community, Mendy Klein was well known for his unwavering support of Jewish causes, both in the United States and abroad.
The son of Holocaust survivors who grew up in New York, Klein was to be honored later this month with the national leadership award at the Agudath Israel of America’s annual dinner, one of many organizations that were extremely close to his heart.
Passionate about Jewish education, the State of Israel and with a soft spot in his heart for Jewish children.
Klein’s generosity extended beyond the financial, giving freely of his time to benefit the causes he championed, encouraging others to do the same in any way they could.
Klein’s generosity extended beyond the financial, giving freely of his time to benefit the causes he championed, encouraging others to do the same in any way they could.
Addressing a group of social workers several months ago, Klein noted that even large financial contributions paled by comparison next to their heartfelt efforts to help those who sought their services.
Klein was the founder and chairman of Safeguard Properties, Inc., the nation’s largest default property management services company. He served on the boards of several national trade associations and was a trustee of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.
Rabbi Yitz Frank, executive director of Agudath Israel of Ohio which was founded by Klein, said that Klein was like a father to him and that he worked closely with Klein to oversee some of his many efforts.
“I cannot describe the level of care he had for the Jewish people,” Rabbi Frank told VIN News. “There are many people who give of their resources, but nobody gave of their heart, soul and intellect like him. He changed the world for the better and leaves behind a wife and family that will continue making him proud.”
Tributes to Klein began pouring in immediately as word spread of his passing.
A statement released by Agudath Israel of America said that Klein was renowned for his commitment to those less fortunate.
“What set Mendy apart from other generous philanthropists was his passion – his passion for Klal Yisroel and Eretz Yisroel, his passion for the downtrodden and the needy, his passion for fairness and justice. He invested his tzedakah dollars wisely and the dividends on those investments are reflected most dramatically in the countless tortured neshamos to whom he brought healing and happiness.”
The funeral for Klein will be held on Friday at noon at the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland’s Yavneh High School in Beachwood, Ohio.
He. Was to be honored by aguda this month
BDE
Does anybody know his full name for tehilim?
BDE
so scary when one does not get notice it reminds me ” ver vaist tzu men hut a halbe shaah ( and im here typing instead of doing what i am supposed to do)
BD”E
He provided employments to hundreds of Yungerleat thereby feeding thousands of children trough his company Safeguard Properties. Robert we will always appreciate the opportunity you gave us.