Alamo Brandeis Lodge 211 B’nai B’rith – B’nai B’rith San Antonio Alamo Lodge and HFLA-SA Creates new loan to honor the memory of Irv Barath, z”l

May 11, 2022

The Alamo Brandeis Lodge 211 B’nai B’rith – B’nai B’rith San Antonio Alamo Lodge and Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Antonio are delighted to announce the creation of a new 0%-interest loan fund to honor the memory of Irv Barath, Z”L, an incredibly special member of the San Antonio Jewish community.

The B’nai Brith Lodge recently made a $25,000 grant to HFLA-SA to create the Irwin “Irv” Barath Alamo Brandeis Lodge 211 B’nai B’rith Memorial Loan Fund for the benefit of Jewish College Students. Irv was a passionate supporter of youth and young adult programming and services and, through his work as a former President and longtime Board member of HFLA-SA, he confidentially helped authorize dozens of zero%-interest education loans to college students over several decades of service.

Michael Robbins, HFLA-SA President said: “Irv was soft-spoken, but he was a dynamo. His untiring work in so many Jewish organizations was inspiring and truly amazing.” 

Daniel Laser, Treasurer of the B’nai B’rith Lodge added: “I don’t remember how many decades ago I met Irwin “Irv” Barath, but I can guarantee it was at a meeting or event where he was working (alongside his wife Natalie) for our San Antonio Jewish Community. Although our paths crossed over many Jewish organizations, it was through B’nai B’rith that I knew Irv best. It seemed to me that Irv was working on B’nai Brith events and fundraising daily. He never missed a meeting and an opportunity to support our Jewish college students and many other San Antonio Jewish organizations. Irv knew through his efforts, involvement, contacts, and friends how to maximize the impact of the organizations to which he dedicated himself. I know Irv would approve of our honoring him with the creation of this Hebrew Free Loan Association fund for our Jewish college students. This community will forever miss Irv. It was my honor to know Irv.”

In response to the news of this fund’s creation to honor her Father, Irv’s daughter Freida Donzis said: “As mentioned, my dad was a very humble man and did not seek recognition. When my mom found out about this, she said that he would have been touched by this. I know college education was a must for all of us since both of them never finished college. When my husband asked for permission to marry me, my dad told him “No!” because I needed to finish school. My husband promised him that he would make sure that I finished college, so my father agreed to let me get married. I know I would have really appreciated a loan like this.”

Howard Feinberg, HFLA-SA’s Executive Director noted that: “Irv was quietly involved in leadership roles in Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Antonio (HFLA-SA), Golden Manor/San Antonio Jewish Senior Services (SAJSS), Lay Chaplaincy at Lackland Air Force Base, Jewish War Veterans (JWV), and other organizations.  It was a distinct honor and privilege to know and learn from Irv. His many contributions and presence are fondly remembered; he is missed by all who knew and served alongside him.”

Irv knew that without community support, HFLA-SA would be unable to respond to the ever-increasing financial challenges affecting members of our Jewish community.  Interest-free loans allow our friends and neighbors to navigate times of financial stress without the loss of personal control and dignity.

We can all take pride in knowing that this donation honors and perpetuates the impact that our dear friend Irv Barath, Z”L will have on current and future generations of Jewish college students who need temporary financial assistance

HFLA-SA remains committed to extending a financial hand-up to all members of the Jewish community who turn to us. Alamo Brandeis Lodge 211 B’nai B’rith – B’nai B’rith San Antonio Alamo Lodge’s donation will continue to make a difference in the lives of those Jewish college students and their families who are in need of temporary financial assistance. Working together, we continue to build a stronger Jewish community.

To learn more about the Hebrew Free Loan Association of San Antonio, apply for a 0%-interest loan, or support our work; please see www.HFLA-SA.org or call (210) 736-4352.

Michael D. Robbins                    Howard S. Feinberg                          Daniel Laser

President                                               Executive Director                                       Treasurer

Hebrew Free Loan Association        Hebrew Free Loan Association                Alamo Brandeis Lodge 211 B’nai B’rith

of San Antonio                                     of San Antonio                                             B’nai B’rith San Antonio Alamo Lodge