Tibor Rosenbaum facts for kids

Pinchas Tibor Rosenbaum (1923–1980) was a Jewish rabbi and businessman. He was born in Hungary and later lived in Switzerland. He became a leader in the Jewish community there. During a very difficult time called the The Holocaust, he bravely saved hundreds of Jewish people.

After the war, he helped the new State of Israel with its economy and security. He even worked with the Mossad, which is Israel's intelligence agency, on important matters.

Early Life and Education

Tibor Rosenbaum was born on November 2, 1923, in a town called Kisvárda in Hungary. His father, Shmuel Shmelke Rosenbaum, was the Chief Rabbi of Kisvárda. His family had a long history of rabbis, going all the way back to a famous scholar named Rabbi Judah Loew ben Bezalel.

When he was 18, Tibor Rosenbaum became a rabbi himself. He received his rabbinical ordination, known as semikhah, from Rabbi Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog.

Heroic Actions During the Holocaust

During The Holocaust, a terrible period when many Jewish people were persecuted, Tibor Rosenbaum did something amazing. He disguised himself in different ways, sometimes as a German SS officer or a Hungarian soldier. By doing this, he was able to save hundreds of Jewish lives from danger.

Life After the War

After the war ended, Rosenbaum went back to Kisvárda. Sadly, only about 400 Jewish people were left there, compared to 5,000 before the war. He became the city's rabbi, taking over from his father who had passed away.

He married Stephanie Stern, who had survived the war by being on a special train that took Jews to Switzerland. Tibor and Stephanie then made their home in Geneva, Switzerland. He also studied economics and earned a special degree. He even wrote two books.

Tibor Rosenbaum passed away on October 23, 1980, in Geneva. He was buried in Har HaMenuchot, a cemetery in Israel. He left behind his wife, two sons, and a daughter.

Helping the State of Israel

After Israel became a country, Tibor Rosenbaum was very active in helping it grow. He started an organization called "Helvis Company." Its main goal was to encourage trade between Israel and Switzerland, which helped Israel's economy.

He also helped Israel with its security needs. His work was important in supporting the new country during its early years.

His Children

Tibor Rosenbaum had three children:

• Rabbi Moshe (Eric) Rosenbaum, who teaches in Har Nof, Jerusalem.
• Leah Rowe, who lives in Rehavya, Jerusalem.
• Shmuel (Charles) Rosenbaum, born in 1952, who lives in Geneva.