Norbert has devoted his life to service, leadership and preserving Jewish history. Born in Bad Homburg, Germany, in 1927, he experienced firsthand the horrors of Nazi persecution before immigrating to the United States in 1941. After serving his adopted country as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the postwar occupation of Korea, he built a distinguished business career, rising to General Traffic Manager and Group Vice President at Philipp Brothers Inc. before later becoming a respected management consultant. In 1982, Norbert served as a volunteer in the IDF in Ramat Golan.
Throughout his life, Norbert has remained deeply committed to ensuring that the lessons of history are never forgotten, sharing his Holocaust experiences with students, community organizations and commemorative programs throughout the United States and Germany.
For more than three decades, Norbert dedicated himself to Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, serving from 1960 through 1990 as Treasurer and a member of the Board of Directors of the American Committee for Shaare Zedek, while also serving on the Medical Center’s International Board of Governors and Board of Directors in Jerusalem. His steadfast leadership, financial stewardship and unwavering devotion helped strengthen one of Israel’s premier hospitals during years of tremendous growth and challenge. Guided by deeply held Jewish values and an uncompromising commitment to integrity, Norbert’s service reflected his lifelong belief that supporting world-class medical care in Israel is both a privilege and a sacred responsibility.
As he looks ahead to celebrating his 100th birthday, we are honored to recognize Norbert Strauss for a century of courage, principle, generosity and service. His remarkable legacy — from Holocaust survivor and American soldier to business leader, devoted volunteer and passionate advocate for Shaare Zedek Medical Center — has inspired generations. We are deeply grateful for his decades of dedication to our mission and proud to celebrate a life that has exemplified resilience, leadership and an enduring commitment to the Jewish people.
Norbert was married to Trude, a”h, for 61 years before her passing in 2012 and later married Dorothy Knapp. He is the proud father of Esther (Harold) and Benjamin, z”l (Claire) and the proud grandfather of 8 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and so far, 6 great great grandchildren.