Pearl Oltman grew up in Philadelphia, the daughter of a clothing manufacturer. It was exactly 75 years ago, Feb. 23, 1932, when Pearl Oltman met Abe Kristol at a cousin's wedding in Philadelphia. They married after a three year courtship, and settled in Wilmington, where Abe had grown up. Together, they raised three sons, and saw their resale establishment, Al's Pawn Shop Outlet, turn into a thriving business. Moving to a larger Market Street location in October 1946 required their combined families and friends, who remember Pearl and 'Boomie' Kristol as a very warm and generous couple.
Stanley Hart, who, with Israel Weiner, purchased the business in January 1967, is very outspoken when it comes to extolling the Kristol family's good humor and generosity of spirit. He tells how Pearl is looking forward to her 100th birthday party, and remembers that even as a young married couple, they gave to local charities, including the Jewish Federation of Delaware and Congregation Beth Shalom.
There are very deep ties between the Kristol family and the agency that bears their name. Jewish life, education, and Delaware are all important to Pearl. Regardless of how tight times were during the depression, she and Abe managed to save money so their sons could go to college. This devotion to education makes her association with the University of Delaware Hillel Foundation a natural. As a charter member of the local chapter of the Women's Auxiliary of B'nai B'rith (now Jewish Women International), Pearl participated in one of its first fundraising events, a luncheon to benefit Hillel.
Following Abe Kristol's death in September 1990, the opportunity was presented to provide major funding for the Newark building which now bears the Kristol name. It was a perfect way for the Kristol family to create a permanent memorial for Abe, while supporting their ideals. Dedicated in 1993, the Abe & Pearl Kristol Hillel Student Center became the home for Jewish life on campus. When the Jewish Federation of Delaware had its Capital Campaign, the Kristol family came forward with a major gift, putting their name on the agency which means so much to them.
This latest gift from Dan, Howard and David is intended to solidify the ability of the Kristol Hillel Center to support all the Jewish students at University of Delaware. With 1600 Jewish students on campus, Jewish life can mean many different things. From intellectual pursuits to social action, from religious services to purely social programs, the Kristol Hillel Center provides a place for students to have meaningful Jewish experiences. Creating community among Jewish students during their first 36 hours on campus, the staff of the Kristol Hillel Center lets students know that they are always welcome.
However, Jewish life on campus doesn’t happen without funds. That's why the Kristol brothers are making this extraordinary match, and challenging their friends and the community to come forward with generous gifts. For more information about the Kristol Match or about the Kristol Center for Jewish Life at University of Delaware, please contact Hal Ossman, hossman@udel.edu, or 302-453-0479.
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