Lillian Kasindorf Kavey
Lillian Kasindorf Kavey | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 19, 1889 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | May 10, 1986 (aged 96) |
| Occupation(s) | Banker, activist |
| Known for | First female to receive a banking license in New York State; advocacy for European immigrants and Ethiopian Jews |
Lillian Kasindorf Kavey (July 19, 1889 – May 10, 1986) was a pioneering banker and advocate, recognized as the first female to receive a banking license in New York State.
Beginning in the 1910s, Kavey provided financial support to European immigrants by offering loans and assistance at Ellis Island. She also championed the cause of Ethiopian Jews starting in the 1920s and played a crucial role in helping European Jews escape persecution during the late 1930s.
Life
Kavey was born in New York City and married Abraham H. Kavovitz, a merchant specializing in clothing and footwear sales, in 1908. The couple resided in Port Chester, New York and had two sons.
Pawnshop
Under the name Lillian Kavovitz, she ran a pawnshop and loan business catering to European immigrants employed in nearby factories. She was proficient in German, Polish, Russian, Czech, and Italian.
Banking and travel services
Noticing that Eastern European immigrants saved funds to bring family members to New York, Kavey transformed her pawnshop into a combined travel agency and loan service. She managed clients’ savings with interest accrual and arranged steamship tickets for immigrant relatives. Her efforts earned her recognition at Ellis Island for assisting immigrants.
In 1913, together with her husband, she established The A.H. and L. Kavovitz Bank, making her the first woman licensed as a banker in New York State. When their sons joined the business in 1940, the institution was renamed Kavey and Sons. In 1955, it merged with First Westchester National Bank, which subsequently became part of Barclay's Bank.
Activism
Beginning in 1923, Kavey dedicated herself to supporting Ethiopian Jews, including purchasing agricultural equipment and facilitating their immigration to Israel. During the 1930s, she and her husband assisted approximately 125 Jewish families escaping persecution from countries such as Egypt, Morocco, Italy, Poland, and Scandinavia.
Community involvement
Kavey founded the Jewish Community Center of Port Chester and organized two boys’ clubs during the period of World War II.
Death and legacy
She passed away on May 10, 1986.
Her personal papers are preserved at the Jewish Theological Seminary library located in New York City.