Jewish Historical Society of SWFL Celebrates History and Achievements

The Jewish Historical Society of Southwest Florida (JHSSWF) is a 501 (c) 3 organization formed in 2010. The organization’s mission has been to preserve and protect the Jewish History of the region and to educate the local community and beyond about the valuable contributions that the Jewish residents made to the establishment and development of the community in every sphere.

Every generation of Jewish Pioneers, from early 20th century to present, has left a mark on the City of Naples and the entire county, that is present in names like Fleischman Park and Myra Janco Daniels Blvd.

These accomplishments and achievements as well Jewish trail have been collected into the Timelines of Southwest Florida Jewish History and other educational presentations that JHSSWF makes available to the general community and with the aid of which increases the membership participation.

Every year JHSSWF celebrates Florida Jewish History Month (January) and nationally Jewish-American Heritage Month (May) with presentations which are tailored around each topic that address historical landmarks and gains the local Jewish individuals made through every historic period and the values of community unity and acceptance. These celebrations are open to the entire community and have steadily raised awareness and appreciation among many sectors and groups who otherwise would have not had the exposure.

Collier County is historically the most recent of SWFL counties to experience a wave of Jewish settlement. To that extent, JHSSWF is fortunate to have interviewed many of the early Jewish residents about their experiences and has further encapsulated their stories in the ongoing Telly Awards film series Southwest Florida Jewish Pioneers. 27 films have been produced and released so far, and the work is at various stages of film production for films 28 though 30.

Four-time Naples Mayor Bill Barnett, world-renown artist Richard Segalman, Collier County long-time engineer Irving Berzon, citizen-activist Murray Hendel, produce growers and distributors The Lipmans, music publisher of hits like “Takes Two for Tango”, “Some Kind of Wonderful” and “Surfin’ USA” Gene Goodman are just a few individuals whose stories are now available for everyone to learn, enjoy and emulate. Many of the JHSSWF Films can also be viewed as part of ANU Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv, Israel. That collaboration will be expanded in the foreseeable future.

The organization sustains itself through memberships and donations and usually, the film releases become the fundraising events.

Four Annual Local Jewish History Film Festivals were organized by JHSSWF to showcase the fascinating local Jewish History in the context of contemporaneous historical events. These festivals are usually sponsored by private donors to allow free admission to anyone who is curious. They are most often held at the Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, a secure location, that is taking into consideration safety concerns of presenters and attendees.

Marina Berkovich and Alexander Goldstein are the co-founding members of the organization and are now serving as President and VP respectively.