When Jacqueline Rosenblatt speaks about her 102-year-old father, Dr. Eli M. Brown, her words reflect a deep sense of love, awe, and admiration. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Brown’s life has been a remarkable journey of intellect, compassion, and unwavering commitment - to family, to medicine, to his community, and to the land and people of Israel.
Raised in an observant Jewish home, Eli Brown’s early years were steeped in faith and purpose. After completing his studies at the University of Maryland and earning his medical degree, he trained at Brooklyn Jewish Hospital and went on to serve his country with distinction in the US Army, ultimately achieving the rank of Major. His service took him to Japan during the Korean War, where he cared for soldiers and civilians alike—a testament to his lifelong belief that medicine and morality go hand in hand.
When his career later brought the Brown family to Detroit, Dr. Brown became Chair of the Department of Anesthesia at Sinai Hospital, earning a national reputation for pioneering innovations that transformed his field. Yet for all his accolades, Jacqueline describes her father as “incredibly humble - never one to seek attention or recognition.”
That humility made the family’s recent philanthropic gift all the more special. For Dr. Brown’s 102nd birthday, Jacqueline and her husband Solomon dedicated a plaque on Jewish National Fund-USA’s Wall of Honor at Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem - a lasting tribute to a man who has given so much to both the United States and Israel.
The Wall serves as a site to honor both living and deceased Jewish servicemen and women from around the world.
“Although it’s unlikely I’ll travel to Israel again at my age,” Dr. Brown said with a smile, “having a permanent recognition alongside other Jews who proudly served their countries is very special to me. It’s an enduring tribute to my commitment to both the United States and Israel.”
A Family Rooted in Zionism
The Brown family’s connection to Israel runs deep. Eli and his late wife, Estelle, visited Israel for the first time in 1967, just after the Six-Day War, and returned many times afterward - including immediately after the Yom Kippur War. During that visit, Dr. Brown volunteered at Hadassah Hospital, stepping in for anesthesiologists stationed in field units. “He cared for both civilians and soldiers,” Jacqueline recalled. “He felt it was his duty to help Israel recover - not just to visit, but to contribute.”
That sense of duty was passed down through generations. Each of Dr. Brown’s 11 grandchildren celebrated their bar or bat mitzvah in Israel - a family tradition that deepened their shared love for the Jewish homeland.
Dr. Brown describes the day Israel declared independence: “We all gathered around the radio, listening anxiously to the UN vote. When the results came in, the joy was indescribable. Finally, we had a homeland.”
Honoring Service and Strength
For Dr. Brown, whose life is defined by healing and service, having his name engraved at Ammunition Hill—alongside other Jewish veterans who served their nations with pride - holds profound meaning. “Reclaiming Jerusalem was like coming home,” he said. “To have my military service recognized there fills me with pride.”
Jacqueline, too, sees the plaque as more than a family milestone - it’s a symbol of enduring values. “My father has always taught us that being Jewish comes with responsibility,” she said. “We must support Israel, not only in times of peace, but especially in times of challenge.”
A Shared Commitment
Jacqueline’s own connection to Jewish National Fund-USA began as a child, planting trees in Israel through the organization’s iconic blue boxes. “I always knew about that part of JNF,” she said, “but when I moved to California and met Frances Bilak and Lauren Cohen, I discovered the full scope of what Jewish National Fund-USA does—developing communities, supporting innovation, and strengthening Israel’s future. I was immediately impressed.”
Now deeply involved, Jacqueline and Solomon continue their family’s legacy of giving and engagement. “Jewish National Fund-USA ensures Israel’s survival and success,” she said. “Its programs support development, prosperity, and security for the land and people of Israel.”
As for her father, his life remains a living bridge between two great nations. “Israel is a strong democracy, a vital ally of the United States, and essential to Jewish survival.” Dr. Brown reflected, “Politics may shift, but the people—their resilience, their love for their homeland - remain constant.”
At 102, Dr. Eli M. Brown’s story is far from over. He continues his support for Israel and the Jewish community. His name, now etched into the stones of Ammunition Hill, stands as a reminder of a century of faith, courage, and devotion - a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
To honor a Jewish serviceman or woman, visit jnf.org/ammunitionhill or call 800.542.8733.
This article was written in cooperation with Jewish National Fund-USA.