Throughout the history of the Jewish people, the religious mandate of tikkun olam, to repair the world has been a unique characteristic of our culture. Our children are taught to embrace the concept of tzedakah through the examples of their parents and grandparents.

Throughout his life Bill Elson had an unwavering commitment to the Jewish people. He was a true tzadik, he gave generously to Israel, local and national Jewish causes, and to the Jewish Federation of Tulsa. Bill had a heartfelt commitment to nurturing his own community and aiding those in need.

He was an active participant in raising funds for the Jewish Federation of Tulsa and was one of its major annual campaign donors. He truly loved Israel and always wanted to ensure that a significant percentage of his dollars went to Israel. His beliefs were rooted in the value of Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh, each member of the Jewish community is responsible for one another.

Bill especially loved to travel to Israel and made numerous trips there. In my capacity as Campaign Director for the Jewish Federation of Tulsa, I had the pleasure to travel to Israel with Bill on a United Jewish Appeal mission. It was on this trip that I really got to know him. We shared our love of Israel and our hopes for the future of Jewish life—around the world and, especially in Tulsa.

Our conversations and special friendship continued when every few months we would meet for lunch at the Summit Club. We discussed the current situations in Israel, declining campaign dollars and the increasing needs of our Tulsa community. He was concerned that Israel’s share was diminishing each year. He was concerned about the younger generation and its support of Israel.

So, began our discussions of his leaving a legacy gift to the Jewish Federation of Tulsa Foundation.

I explained that through a legacy gift, he would be able to continue supporting the critical needs of both Israel and the Tulsa Jewish community, posthumously. I shared with him that creating a charitable remainder trust would make this idea become a reality. By establishing a fund with the Jewish Federation of Tulsa Foundation his desire to support meaningful causes, both here in Tulsa and Israel,  would continue after his death. Bill’s legacy gift would allow his voice to be heard even after his death.

Bill passed away in May of 2016. His legacy gift came to the Jewish Federation of Tulsa in 2023 upon the death of his wife Marion. As was his intent, Bill’s name will live on through his legacy gift, supporting the Tulsa Jewish community, and the State of Israel, through a Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment. As with all legacy gifts, his will have a deep and lasting impact.

Bill’s memory lives on through the Elson Israel Fellowship.