I can not believe you are gone.  I just found out.  You were always there for us,you made me feel safe no matter what was going on.  I only hope that you knew what you ment to both of us.  To say I am brokenhearted would be an understatement.  I know that you are with your beloved Joan,and that helps my heart.  The world is dimmer without you.  Love you always

Joel was a person you wanted to be with at a meeting or out to dinner.  He was a good person who cared for others. He was a great speaker, knowledgeable and fun to be with. He loved to gamble rolling the dice. For a New Yorker he was a wonderful man who is still thought of and who is missed.

I clerked one summer for the Town of Hempstead Attorney; my mentors, lunch buddies and friends that summer (1963 while I was at NYU School of Law) were Joel Kaplan and Al D’Motto (sp?).  I remember they both had political ambitions.  I have the fondest of memories of Joel and Al.

In the short time I knew Joel, as a member of the Woodward Children’s School board, Joel was a wonderful man.   He was a “mentor” to me as a new board member and imparted  his intelligence, experience & empathy to the issues facing Woodward.  I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. My sincerest condolences to his family & friends.  Truly, May his memory be a blessing.  
Susan Sporn 

I hope it brings you comfort knowing I am celebrating the life Mr. Kaplan lived and am thankful for his profound impact on my life. I love Mr. Kaplan dearly.
 The entire Kaplan family is in my thoughts and prayers.   

My Sincere Condolences, 
Danielle Dotson 

             

    
                                
      


I met Joel in 1972, when we initiated discussions about my joining him and Arthur Jaspan in their law firm.  I wisely accepted their offer, and had the even greater fortune to become a partner in 1973 in what became Jaspan, Kaplan & Levin.  Joel was a gifted litigator, a wise mentor and counselor, and always in good humor.  We remained partners for several years until our firm merged with another firm and Joel decided to embark on a solo practice.  Naturally, he achieved great success, and continued to excel not only at being a trusted counsellor but also as a caring humanitarian, devoted to his family and to important causes.  He will be greatly missed by many.  

I had the honor of working with Joel when he was president of B'nai B'rith District One in the 1980s. Aside from his warm, engaging personality, Joel was a brilliant guy who, often without fanfare, advocated for so many causes that Jews around the world can thank him for today.  He was a mensch in the truest sense of the word. My heart goes out to his family and close friends and may he rest in peace. 

Deffinitelly   Joel  Kaplan ZL"  was   a very   welcomed  person  during  his leadership years  at  BBI . When I  became involved  in  the  International level  as District 23Pres.  and  later  as  Senior  VP
whenever  I  required  help   , he was present  . His  leadership  was  
mainly  his  feelings  for the  idedals  of  Bnai Brith    and  he  passed
it to  those  partaking   with  BBI   in  the   development  of those  ideals
May   he  be  among  those   who  from  above continues  to  back
our   Jewish  heritage   and continuity

Leon Birbragher  
Ex  Pres   Dist  23
Past   Sr  Intl  Vicepresident  

From the moment I met Joel he became one of my closets friends in B'nai B'rith.  I  remember when I was President of the Mid-West Region and we were planning a BBI week-end seminar with the Great Lakes Region in Michigan and were looking for a guest speaker. I called Joel and with out thinking he said  yes, and brought Joan. Next to his family, B'nai B'rith was his extended family and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for a Region or a lodge. It was an honor to know him and call him my  friend.  I'll miss our calls.  Harlene and I extend our deepest sympathy to Pamela, Andrea and the family.  May his memory and deeds be a blessing forever.
Shel Marcus & Harlene Dunitz

Joel was an absolute PRINCE of a man, a dear friend, and a professional mentor.
His  enormous and selfless contribution of his time and his heart to national and international affairs, and his endless devotion to his wife, children and grandchildren (he could never stop speaking about his beloved Grandchildren!!)  made even more luminous and full a life well and fully lived.
Miss you already, Dear Friend, you were truly One of a Kind!

Dave Smith

I was fortunate enough to have worked with Joel for much of my B'nai B'rith career. He always respected the role of staff members within the organization and was open to new ideas and approaches.  He will be deeply missed.

While valuing the long history of the organization before his term of leadership , he provided guidance and vision for the future. Among his greatest achievements was his serving as chair of the 150th anniversary of B'nai B'rith in 1993.

Joel will always be cherished among those who provided leadership and vision to the organization.

We are saddened to learn of Joel's passing.

He was a dedicated lifelong leader and Honorary President of B'nai B'rith International, which greatly benefitted from his commitment to the important role of B'nai B'rith  in providing leadership, voice  and service to Israel and the global Jewish community.

May Joel's memory be as a blessing.

Richard and Phyllis Heideman

As  a President of B'nai B'rith who came after Joel and as  one who considered Joel as a friend foremost it is with deepest sorrow that i remember him for all that he accomplished during his lifetime and the many years of this friendship.  May his memory be for a blessing.

Joel was a colleague and friend for over 30 years.  B'nai B'rith was his extended family, and he served it with distinction.  He was a powerful and articulate advocate for the Jewish people, and we shall miss him.
                              Tommy Baer

Joel was an outstanding volunteer serving  his community and humankind. Joel spent around 60 years in B’nai  B’rith obtaining many leadership positions, but his highest position was being elected the International President. In that position he represented Jewish interest, the welfare of the State of Israel, and human rights for all. He was an outstanding spokesperson who helped to make an impact when he met with high Government officials and heads of State. He will be missed. 

TO THE FAMILY OF JOEL KAPLAN,

I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.  I WORKED WITH JOEL FOR YEARS AND INDEED IT WAS A PLEASURE.  I WILL MISS HIM VERY MUCH!  HE IS NOW WITH JOAN AND BOTH OF THEM ARE FLYING WITH THE OTHER ANGELS IN HEAVEN.  MAY YOUR DAYS TO COME BE BLESSED AND YOU ALL HAVE FOND MEMORIES.

May his memory be a blessing.

Wanda Anderson

OBITUARY

Joel S. Kaplan

February 1, 1937 – April 12, 2021

Boulevard-Riverside Chapels

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