Prof. Samuel Klein, Scientist, Dead in Palestine at 54

Prof. Samuel Klein, noted scientist and author, has died here at the age of 54. He had held the chair of Palestine geographical research at the Hebrew University since 1928, and was the author of a number of books on the subject. of the Joint Distribution Committee have had to be so greatly amplified in many directions, the need for man-power in our overseas work is greater than ever. Possessing, as he does, an intimate knowledge of the many problems which our organization is called upon to face, Dr. Schwartz will be an invaluable aide. His varied background in social service, and the esteem in which he is held in many fields of endeavor, are the best evidences of his suitability for the important position of vice-chairman of the European Executive Council.”

Leavitt comes to the J.D.C. from the Palestine Economic Corporation, of which he has been vice-president and secretary since 1933. Commenting on his appointment, Hyman said: “Before his association with the Palestine Economic Corporation, Mr. Leavitt was for some time connected with the J.D.C. in an executive capacity. We consider ourselves fortunate to have secured the services of a man who is so familiar with our problems and has so complete an understanding of the numerous phases of our activities. Mr. Leavitt enjoys the confidence and good will of many of our officers and active co-workers, and knows the American as well as the European scene thoroughly.”

Dr. Schwartz has long been an active figure in Jewish community life. He is a former president of the National Conference of Jewish Social Welfare, which he also served for two years as vice-president. Prior to his secretaryship of the J.D.C, to which post he was elected last year, he was for six years Executive Director of the Brooklyn Federation of Jewish Charities. A son of the late Rabbi Abraham N. Schwartz of Baltimore, Dr. Schwartz received his Ph.D. at Yale University in 1927. He held a Sterling Research Fellowship at Yale from 1926 to 1928 and taught at the American University in Cairo, Egypt, in 1928 and 1929.

Leavitt has been in Jewish social work since 1923, having been supervisor of the self-support department of the Jewish Social Service Assocation from that date until 1929. He then acted as assistant to the secretary of the J.D.C. for four years, leaving in 1933 to become secretary and later vice-president of the Palestine Economic Corporation. A chemical engineer by training, Leavitt is a graduate of Cornell University.