Lewis Dashevsky, Zionist leader

Lewis B. Dashevsky, 96, of Philadelphia, a passionate leader of the Zionist movement and an accomplished accountant, died Tuesday, June 28, at Holy Redeemer Hospice.

Mr. Dashevsky, commonly known as Lewis Dashe, was named honorary national president of the Zionist Organization of America (ZOA) in 2014, having served the group for more than 30 years. He was mid-Atlantic regional president for more than 20 years beginning in the early 1990s. He made at least 30 trips to Israel, often staying for months.

"I would describe him as a passionate, principled advocate for Israel and the Jewish people," said Morton Klein, national ZOA president.

The ZOA of Greater Philadelphia presented Mr. Dashevsky with its Meritorious Service Medal at its annual gala in 2012.

Mr. Dashevsky was a lifelong Philadelphia resident. He graduated from Temple University in 1941 and started his own accounting firm in the city, Lewis B. Dashe & Co. He retired in 1981 to devote himself to ZOA work.

He was intellectually curious and loved the arts, said his daughter, Jodi Dashe. He studied at the Barnes Foundation.

In the late 1940s, Mr. Dashevsky, a guitar player, copyrighted 21 original songs. He also collected coins and stamps, and received the 50-year medal from the American Numismatic Society.

His success grew from dedication and hard work, his daughter said. "He never did anything halfway. When he collected coins and stamps, he did so on a level that gained recognition."

Steve Feldman met Mr. Dashevsky 33 years ago and worked with him in the ZOA. "Lew was a brilliant man," he said. "It seemed like he was blessed with the wisdom of Solomon."

Charity was another important aspect of Mr. Dashevsky's life. He was always "doing the right thing for the right reason," said his daughter, recalling how he celebrated Hanukkah in a way devoid of commercialization and focused on giving to those in need.

"He tried to give his life to causes he believed in," Jodi Dashe said.

Klein, the ZOA president, said Mr. Dashevsky is the reason he is where he is today. "He's one of the people who changed my life by urging me to stay involved with the Jewish community," Klein said.

Feldman described Mr. Dashevsky as a voracious reader, prolific writer, and creative thinker. "He really was a one-of-a-kind person who cannot be replaced," he said. "I don't know if they make people like that anymore."

Jodi Dashe said her father was a very spiritual person and regularly attended services at Congregations of Shaare Shamayim.

He was predeceased by his wife, the former Gloria Alexenberg.

Besides his daughter, he is survived by a grandson, and nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at Goldsteins' Rosenberg's Raphael-Sacks Southampton Chapel, 310 Second Street Pike, Southampton.

Contributions may be made to the Tree of Life Program, Jewish National Fund National Office, 42 E. 69th St., New York, N.Y., 10021, or Zionist Organization of America, Philadelphia Chapter, Box 56, Bala Cynwyd, Pa, 19004.

gtoohey@phillynews.com

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