Donor Stories

Hear the stories of community members who have made an impact through their acts of giving to Hebrew Free Loan.

Patty and Alan Axelrod

Patty and Alan Axelrod were longtime supporters of Hebrew Free Loan. Their legacy lives on through a generous bequest from their estate...

Simmie and Eric Baum

When Simmie Baum passed away in 2021, 13 years after her husband Eric, she left it to her son Randy to distribute the funds left in her and Eric's charitable remainder trust.

Gregg and Sara Rubenstein

Gregg Rubenstein became a donor to Hebrew Free Loan when he was only 28 years old. And the more he learned about the organization, the more he wanted to give.

Jack and Sharon Levin's Story: Remembering Their Beloved Sons

For the past 40+ years, Jack and Sharon Levin have marked momentous occasions in the lives of their friends and family with donations to the Howard William Levin and Ira Paul Levin Fund...

Rochelle Rubenstein's Story: Future Generations

"Shell" Rubenstein always had a close relationship with her father, Arthur Stadt. So after Arthur's passing, Shell was surprised to learn something about him...

John Osterweis, Osterweis Capital Management

John Osterweis is a man of many talents and passions. He's the Founder and Chairman of...

Borrower Stories

Raphael Falk

Like many young people, it took Raphael Falk a while to find his place in the world. He grew up in Berkeley and Oakland, but never...

Evan Lachman

Evan Lachman was 22 and a senior at UC Santa Barbara when he approached Hebrew Free Loan about an...

Lior

Lior was 43 years old and had been trying to have a baby for seven years when she came to Hebrew Free Loan for assistance.

Gabriana Marks and Jude Marks

When Gabriana Marks and her mother Jude Marks came to Hebrew Free Loan for help last summer, they were at a low point. Over ten years...

Robin and Neal Novotny

Robin and Neal Novotny were in their 60s and caring for Robin's 97-year-old mother when they turned to Hebrew Free Loan.

Stephanie Stone and Bill Schwartz

When Stephanie Stone and Bill Schwartz came to us for help, they owed $47,000 in student loans that Stephanie...