Harris Freedman
Harris Freedman, 90, of 4503 Hillside Court, Harrisburg, died peacefully on Saturday, February 13. Born in Harrisburg on July 2, 1919, he was the eldest son of Hyman and Rose Freedman. Harris graduated from William Penn High School, where he and brothers, Ellis and Donald, excelled in basketball. Harris later attended Penn State, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa in 1941. After serving in the military, he joined the family apparel business.
Harris gave to his community in countless ways. In 1982, Harris was Co-Chair of the United Jewish Campaign and later led a mission to Israel. He was invited by Prime Minister Begin to observe the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in order to counter negative press. The group was flown into Lebanon in a military plane and escorted to a hill overlooking Beirut where they came under fire. Later that night, Harris and his group met in the Knesset with the Prime Minister.
In 1984, Harris and wife Zelma created a Garden of the Righteous at Beth El Temple to honor Gentiles who risked their lives to save Jews. From 1985 to 1987, Harris served as President of the local Jewish Federation. In 1986, he helped start the Early Childhood Center at the Harrisburg JCC and established the first Family Philanthropic Fund. In 1987, he received the Council of Jewish Federations Achievement Award.
In 1990, Harris helped to establish the first Chair in Judaic Studies at Penn State and created a scholarship for students majoring in Jewish studies. In 1992, he helped raise $35 million to build the Bryce Jordan Events Center and in 2000, he and Zelma were inducted into the Mount Nittany Society, which acknowledges the highest level of philanthropy at Penn State.
In May 2008, he and his brother Donald were honored by the Susquehanna Tzedakah Society for contributions to the Harrisburg Jewish Community. One of the highlights of that evening was a surprise video made by Harris' good friend, Coach Joe Paterno. Joe congratulated Harris for his extraordinary achievements, charity, and for a long life well lived. Harris rarely missed a home football game in nearly 70 years,
Surviving are his wife Zelma, sons Eric and Dennis, brother Donald and wife Sondra, sister-in-law Charlotte, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 15, at Beth El Temple Cemetery Chapel on South Progress Avenue at 1 PM. Charitable contributions may be made to The Harris and Zelma Freedman Fund of the Beth El Temple Endowment Fund or a charity of the donor's choice.
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