Dr. Irving Moskowitz was a multifaceted individual whose contributions spanned medicine, business, and philanthropy. Born in January 1928 in New York City to Polish Jewish immigrants, he was the ninth of thirteen children. His family later relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he cultivated a passion for baseball. Despite his athletic talent and opportunities to pursue a professional sports career, Moskowitz chose to focus on medicine, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Science from the University of Wisconsin in 1949. By 1953, he had established his medical practice in Long Beach, California.
Beyond his medical career, Dr. Moskowitz demonstrated a keen entrepreneurial spirit by building and managing hospitals in California and Florida. In 1968, his business success enabled him to establish the Irving I. Moskowitz Foundation, a charitable organization funded solely by his personal contributions. The foundation’s mission is to support life-enhancing activities and provide opportunities for individuals to succeed, regardless of race, creed, politics, or religion.
One of the foundation’s significant endeavors was the establishment of the Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank in 1995. This initiative has been instrumental in combating hunger within the community, distributing over $10.7 million worth of food since its inception. The foundation also covers all operating expenses for the food bank, ensuring that resources directly benefit those in need.
Dr. Moskowitz’s commitment to education is evident through substantial contributions to local schools. The foundation donated $1.5 million for the construction of the Fedde Middle School Sports Complex, providing the city with its first state-of-the-art sports facility. Additionally, a $30,000 donation supplied iPads to the school’s Global Scholar Honors Program, integrating technology into the learning environment to enhance student engagement and academic success.
Sports programs in Hawaiian Gardens have also benefited from the foundation’s generosity. The Hawaiian Gardens Little League received $20,000 to support young athletes, while the Hawaiian Gardens Eagles Soccer Club was granted $10,000 to fund equipment purchases and tournament fees. These contributions have provided children with opportunities to develop teamwork, discipline, and physical fitness.
Dr. Moskowitz’s philanthropic reach extended beyond Hawaiian Gardens. The foundation has been a significant supporter of Jewish housing projects in East Jerusalem, channeling funds through organizations like El’ad and Ateret Cohanim to create a Jewish majority in Palestinian neighborhoods.
Throughout his life, Dr. Moskowitz remained dedicated to his family, celebrating over six decades of marriage with his wife, Cherna. Together, they raised eight children and were blessed with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His legacy is one of unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others through strategic philanthropy and community engagement.