Jerry Abramson, a former Democratic Alderman and member of the United Jewish Appeal’s Young Leadership Cabinet, yesterday became the first Jewish Mayor of this city.
Abramson picked up 73 percent of the city’s votes in defeating his opponent, Republican Bob Heleringer. Abramson succeeds Harvey Sloane. The 73 percent plurality represents the largest margin of victory ever by a mayor in Louisville.
The 39-year-old Abramson, born in Louisville, is an active member of Congregation Knesseth Israel (Orthodox). He has in the past been active in numerous Jewish organizations and activities.
Besides his involvement with the UJA, he has been active as a member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Community Federation of Louisville, on the executive board of the local chapter of B’nai B’rith, and former chairman of the local affiliate of the National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council.
There are an estimated 13,000 Jews in Kentucky representing about 0.4 percent of the state’s overall population. Some 9,000 Jews live in Louisville.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
