My Father

You can view the full website that covers the story in depth at Israelgreenwald.com as well as a preview of the memoir I am currently writing about growing up under the shadow of this tragedy.

Although he lived just 34 short years, Israel Greenwald left behind a lifetime of impact. To me, he was “Abba” — Daddy — and he was our whole world. I wanted to share a little about the man my father was and the life he lived.

Israel was born in Israel to Hungarian Holocaust survivors who had each lost families in the war. His birth was a symbol of hope — he was named after his grandfather who perished in the camps. Deeply devoted to his parents, Israel would later fly across the world at a moment’s notice just to fix something as small as an air conditioner for them.

Raised in the Orthodox Jewish tradition, Israel was a brilliant student and a natural leader. His heart was just as big as his mind: as a teenager, he founded an organization that offered interest-free loans to people in need, ensuring that one act of kindness could ripple out to many.

Israel dreamed of being his own boss. Forgoing university, he studied at Chevron Yeshiva and, in his early twenties, opened the first pizza shop in ultra-Orthodox Bnei Brak — a bold and controversial move at the time. Despite community skepticism, the store thrived and paved the way for dozens more that followed.

At 21, Israel met and married Leah. They were a young, beautiful couple, full of hope. After the birth of their first child, Michal, they moved briefly to South Africa to learn the diamond trade, then headed to America, where their second daughter, Yael, was born. Israel founded Blue River Enterprises, a jewelry business that quickly flourished thanks to his charisma, trustworthiness, and ambition. He also ventured into real estate and other projects, always eager to build a better life for his family.

Even as his success grew, Israel remained deeply religious and humble. He prayed three times a day, never missed a Sabbath at home, and generously supported countless individuals and charities — often quietly, never seeking recognition. To him, giving wasn’t charity; it was a responsibility.

Israel’s love of animals remained: the family home bustled with pets — even, at one point, a pet monkey. He was warm, responsible, and deeply organized, making sure his family was always cared for no matter what.

In the 1980s, Israel’s business led him to diplomatic ties with Liberia. Trusted and respected, he tragically became entangled when a friend asked him to unknowingly transfer a fraudulent bond. When the authorities demanded he secretly record his friend, Israel was torn — loyal but also desperate to protect his family. He even considered moving back to Israel to escape the impossible situation. He never imagined it would cost him his life.

In 1986, Israel was murdered at the orders of Burt Kaplan, who feared Israel might expose his criminal network. Kaplan hired two NYPD officers — later infamous as the "Mafia Cops" — to carry out the killing.

Israel’s body wasn’t found for 19 years. During that agonizing time, his family was left in financial ruin, unable to collect insurance, preyed upon by opportunists, and tormented by rumors. Only when Kaplan finally turned informant did the truth emerge, bringing long-overdue closure and justice: Eppolito and Caracappa were convicted and sentenced to life in prison, where they eventually died.

Israel’s loss devastated our family, but his legacy — of kindness, courage, and faith — continues to shine. His short life was nothing less than extraordinary.