Charles Bronfman
Charles Bronfman
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Charles R. Bronfman is a well-known Canadian businessman, philanthropist, and author.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on June 21, 1930, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Still active at the age of 93 (as of 2023).
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Canadian national with a background in business and philanthropy.
Early Life and Background
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Charles Bronfman was born into one of Canada's most prominent Jewish families. His family founded Seagram, the liquor company that became an international icon during his father Samuel's leadership. Charles grew up surrounded by the art world, with his mother, Saidye Bronfman, being a renowned patron and collector.
Major Accomplishments
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Co-founder of Mosaic Institute, which he established in 2003 to promote cultural understanding and foster international dialogue.
Former President of United Jewish Appeal (UJA) Canada's Quebec Region from 1966-1972.
Served as a Member of the Canadian Senate from 1998-2005.Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his extensive philanthropic work, Bronfman has written two books: 'Only in Canada You Say?' (2009) and 'The Century for Life' (2010). His writing often focuses on promoting interfaith understanding and discussing the importance of social responsibility.
Impact and Legacy
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Charles Bronfman's impact is multifaceted:
As a businessman, he played a significant role in transforming Seagram into an international company.
* Through his philanthropic efforts with Mosaic Institute and UJA Canada's Quebec Region, he has fostered greater cultural understanding and supported various humanitarian causes.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Charles Bronfman is widely quoted for his thought-provoking insights on interfaith dialogue, social responsibility, and leadership. His commitment to making the world a better place through education, healthcare, and community development has left an enduring legacy.
Throughout his life, Charles Bronfman has demonstrated that one person can make a significant difference in their community and beyond.
Quotes by Charles Bronfman
In the U.S. and Canada, 50% of the young leadership of all the organizations like AIPAC and Hillel are Birthright alumni.
The Jewish people can do a lot of good if we stay united and strong - Israel and the Diaspora working together. If we don't, I always worry about the continuation of the Jewish people in Israel and abroad.
In my 40s - when I was giving to the Red Cross, United Jewish Appeal and other charities - I said to myself, this is all well and good, but these are really amorphous things, and maybe there are some causes out there that I really give a damn about.
Doing what we can to repair the world was instilled in me from an early age. I will never forget my siblings and me knitting squares for blankets to be sent to the troops during World War II. This was an inspiration from my mother.
Across all religions in the United States, people 18-30 are more spiritual than before, but they don't like organized religion. What sets Birthright apart is that no one's hitting on you to be Jewish in any particular way, and you can define Jewish any way you want.
Philanthropy and social change work are at their best when they are driven by your values and connected to what you care about most.
I have often spoken about the importance of intentionality in philanthropy: that it has to stir the soul. This is true whether you are feeding the homeless, mentoring a child or working on climate change.