Philanthropy & Civic Leadership
A Lifelong Commitment to Service
Edward’s leadership in humanitarian work has placed him at the center of global relief efforts. As President of ZAKA International Rescue and Recovery, a UN-recognized volunteer organization, he helped guide first responders who provided aid at the most critical moments, from natural disasters to mass-casualty events. His involvement ensured that lives were saved, and that dignity was upheld even in the most difficult circumstances.
Humanitarian Response
Heritage and cultural identity have always been important to Edward. As Chairman Emeritus of COJECO (Council of Jewish Émigré Community Organizations), he worked to integrate Russian-speaking Jewish immigrants into American society while helping them preserve their unique traditions.
Through projects that celebrated culture while encouraging inclusion, he supported a generation of émigrés in finding their place in the wider American story. He also served as the USA Director of the Link of Times Foundation, where he played a role in the historic return of the Danilov Bells from Harvard University to the Russian Orthodox Church in 2008, a symbolic act of cultural preservation and reconciliation.
Cultural Preservation
The Guiding Principle
Edward’s philanthropic and civic work mirrors the values that have defined his life: resilience, opportunity, and service. From humanitarian response to education and cultural preservation, he continues to invest in people and institutions that ensure communities not only survive but thrive. Just as in his professional career, his civic leadership is about building bridges, between people, cultures, and generations , to create a stronger, more connected world.
Edward has long viewed education as the foundation of opportunity. On the NYU Board of Overseers, he established the Mermelstein Family Scholarship to open doors for students who might not otherwise have had access to a world-class education. For him, supporting the next generation is not only about financial aid but about creating pathways to leadership and impact, ensuring that education continues to be a driver of resilience and progress.
Education and Opportunity
Edward’s civic involvement extends to his leadership roles with UJA-Federation of New York and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), where he has contributed to initiatives ranging from disaster relief to global community development. These roles have allowed him to advance projects that respond to humanitarian crises, strengthen institutions, and provide support for vulnerable populations around the world.
Community Resilience and Global Engagement
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Philanthropy & Civic Leadership
A Lifelong Commitment to Service
For Edward Mermelstein, service has always been more than a responsibility, it is a guiding principle that runs alongside his professional life in diplomacy and investment.
His philanthropic and civic leadership reflects the same global perspective that has shaped his career: a belief in building resilience, preserving culture, and creating opportunities that strengthen communities.