Avraam Zak

Avraam Isakovich Zak (1829–1893; last name also spelled Sack[1]) was a Russian-Jewish banker, philanthropist, and public figure.[2]

Early life

Avraam Zak was born to a well-established family in Bobruisk (now in Belarus) in 1829.[2] Zak was self-taught—primarily in mathematics and later in economics, but also exhibiting an interest in both Hebrew literature and music.[2] In addition, during his childhood, Zak might have been influenced by the local maskilim, or supporters of the Haskalah (European Jewish enlightenment).[2]

Career

Zak began his career working for Baron Evzel Ginsburg, first working as a clerk in the liquor store business, working as Ginsburg's chief accountant,[3] and then working for Baron Ginsburg's bank in Petrograd (St. Petersburg).[2] In 1871, Zak became the director of the Petersburg Discount Lending Bank, owned by Leopold Kronenberg (who was also Jewish);[4] this bank emerged became one of the largest banks in Russia under Zak's leadership.[2] Also, Zak helped build one of Russia's first railroads and built the Libavo–Romni track line, thus allowing development to occur in northwestern Russia.[2] Due to his deep knowledge of economics, the Russian government sometimes consulted with Zak on economic matters, such as how to prevent a severe financial crisis in the event of war (Zak suggested having the Russian treasury accumulate gold reserves).[2] Zak was offered the position of Deputy Finance Minister of Russia on condition that he converted to Christianity, but he rejected this offer.[2]

Throughout his life, Zak supported various Jewish organizations in Petrograd (Saint Petersburg) as well as the city's Jewish orphanage and Jewish school.[2] Also, Zak's home in Petrograd was a popular place for various critics and musicians such as Anton Rubinstein (who was born Jewish).[2] In addition, one of Zak's most notable acts was to pay the legal fees of Georgian Jews in Kutaisi who were accused of blood libel in 1878-1879.[5][2]

Death

Avraam Zak died in Hessen, Germany in 1893 while he was travelling abroad for medical treatment.[2] He was either 63 or 64 years old at the time of his death.[2]

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References
  1. Pauline Wengeroff (2014-09-17). Memoirs of a Grandmother. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  2. "YIVO | Zak, Avraam Isakovich". Yivoencyclopedia.org. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  3. Yuri Slezkine (2004). The Jewish Century. Princeton University Press. p. 119. Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  4. "Studies in Contemporary Jewry: Volume XV: People of the City". Retrieved 2017-02-15.
  5. Jonathan Frankel. "Prophecy and Politics: Socialism, Nationalism, and the Russian Jews, 1862–1917". Retrieved 2017-02-15.
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