Neil Oberfeld, a past ADL Mountain States Board Chair and current Regional Board Member and National Commissioner, discusses his long-standing involvement and passion for the important work of the Anti-Defamation League.
How did you first become involved in ADL? How are you involved now?
About 25 years ago, I was invited to an ADL leadership development program. I remember the day well. There was a brunch at (former ADL National Chair) Barry Curtiss-Lusher’s house. ADL Board Member and past Board Chair Larry Atler spoke so passionately about ADL and its mission. I never dreamed that day that I myself would go on to chair ADL’s regional board.
Where were you born? From where do your ancestors hail?
I was born in Montreal, Canada. I am a third generation Canadian. My ancestors are from Kiev, Ukraine. I immigrated to the United States, moving to Colorado in 1976 at age 16. I would tell you that there is a history of having a strong Canadian presence on ADL’s Mountain States Regional Board.
What’s your favorite holiday?
My favorite holiday is Purim. I have always loved the Purim story. However, my favorite holiday meal is breaking the fast following Yom Kippur, which is always at my cousin Louise’s house.
What are you reading?
I am re-reading Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl. My wife Barb just gave me Born a Crime by Trevor Noah to read next.
What’s a special place you have visited?
Last year, I had the opportunity to spend some time with Greg (obm) and Laura Smith at Greg’s family’s home in Westcliffe, Colorado. It was a beautiful property and a special time.
If you had to teach something, what would you teach?
I have always wanted to teach law school. However, this question made me reconsider, and if I had to teach something, I would choose to teach skiing so I could be a ski school instructor in the Colorado Rockies.
What do you do in your professional life?
I am a real estate attorney at Greenberg Traurig. We are the largest firm in the United States and the only major law firm with a permanent office in Tel Aviv. I serve as the firm’s National Co-Chair of the Leasing Practice Group, but my law practice involves most types of real estate and business investment transactions.
Why do you choose to make a financial investment in ADL?
I believe our family’s financial support of ADL is one of the best investments in our community that I make every year. Like many parents, I worry about what our world will be like for our children. Giving to ADL is my way of making sure the world will be a safer place for my children and for all children alike.