Nathan Shapiro

Nathan “Nate” Shapiro was a philanthropist, an activist, and a tireless champion of Ethiopian Jews.

He served for a decade as president of the American Association for Ethiopian Jews; his advocacy inspired to Operations Moses and Solomon, rescuing more than 25,000 Ethiopian Jews and resettling them in Israel. Shapiro, who lived in Highland Park, died on December 31, at the age of 88.

“My father didn’t need to be told what was right or wrong,” said son Steve Shapiro. “At the time, the Ethiopian Jews’ plight was not a popular cause. But to him, it was unacceptable.”

When Shapiro took the helm of the American Association for Ethiopian Jews in 1983, he quickly made it his mission to increase relief and advocacy efforts on behalf of Ethiopian Jewry, and within a few years organized the U.S. Congressional Caucus for Ethiopian Jews. Interviewed by JTA at that time, Shapiro alluded to the Jewish return to Israel from Babylonia, saying, “They had to walk, and we have planes. But it can’t happen unless people care.”

“On his own, Nate organized support to save Ethiopian Jews and bring them to Israel. He even chartered a plane to transport them to Israel,” said Harvey Barnett, longtime JUF leader and former chair of the Board.

“Nate was not only a generous contributor to JUF, but a mensch , and a true leader–especially in his role in the Ethiopian Jewish rescue,” added JUF President Lonnie Nasatir. “He was a Chicagoan, but also a national player.”

JUF Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Steven B. Nasatir–who during his long tenure as JUF President traveled to Ethiopia in the early 1980s to press for the release of Ethiopian Jews–called Shapiro a hero. “Nate’s early leadership and tenacious advocacy helped bring about Operation Moses and Operation Solomon,” he said. “Today, there are 168,800 Jews of Ethiopian descent living as free citizens in the State of Israel. His role was heroic.”

Along with Shapiro’s work on behalf of Ethiopian Jewry, he was committed to what is now the Israel Parasports Center (see page 62). When he and his wife Randy first visited Israel in 1978, they learned the center, then called the Israel Sports Center for the Disabled. Shapiro–an athlete himself, he ran one of the first Chicago Marathons in 1980–“brought awareness to the Center,” Barnett said, adding that JUF has since supported it for the past 25 years.

Born in Chicago in 1936 to Lester and Edna Shapiro, he and his two brothers were raised in Rogers Park. After graduating first in his class from Northwestern University with a degree in economics, Shapiro served in the Army and the Reserves. After his service, he joined his family’s business, National Superior Fur Dressing and Dyeing. He later became an investor, founding his brokerage firm SF Investments, which eventually partnered with New Vernon Wealth Management. Shapiro was also a committed leader in his synagogue, Congregation B’nai Torah in Highland Park.

Shapiro was a man of faith, and, above all, his son Steve said, “he expressed his faith in his actions, kindness, and empathy.”

Shapiro, a Golden Giver member of JUF, was the beloved husband of Randy (nee Luster) for 62 years. He was the cherished father of Steve (Leslie) and Danny (Anne) Shapiro, and Lesley (Nate) Stillman, the grandfather of 12, and great-grandfather of 2. He was also the brother of Robert (late Gwen) and the late Norton (late Barbara) Shapiro.

Funeral services were held at Weinstein & Piser Funeral Home, followed by interment at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The Ark, and Israel ParaSport Center.