GERSHOVITZ, SAMUEL

GERSHOVITZ, SAMUEL (1907–1960), U.S. social worker and Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) executive. Gershovitz was born in New Rochelle, New York, but raised in the Midwest. Gershovitz's association with JWB began in 1939 with his position as field secretary for the Midwest. In 1942 Gershovitz received his first position with national JWB. He became executive director in 1947 and executive vice president in 1952. He traveled widely, organizing USOS, community centers, and similar projects in Europe, Central America, and the Pacific. In Anchorage, Alaska, he set up the first Jewish community council.