The Technion’s story has been intertwined with Israel’s for more than a century, from laying the foundations for a new nation to shaping its future.
Step inside Israeli innovation at the David and Janet Polak Visitors Center. Experience our 360° immersive movie and tech exhibition. Open to individuals and groups.
Learn More
My father was very involved with the Technion, and now I’m passing this on to my daughters and their families.”
David Jaffa
David Jaffa, a seasoned financial planner in the Detroit metropolitan area, has a deep commitment to philanthropy, focusing particularly on education. With more than two decades of support for the American Technion Society (ATS), he exemplifies how one can blend financial acumen with a passion for giving back to the community and securing a comfortable retirement.
“My message to my clients is that it’s not only important to receive, but to give back,” he said, emphasizing the role of charity in his financial philosophy.
David and his wife Sheri use charitable gift annuities (CGAs) as a major philanthropic tool. To date, they have provided $4.5 million in CGA funding to more than a dozen organizations.
“This is number six for the Technion,” David said about his most recent CGA with ATS, underscoring his long-standing dedication to the role the University plays in Israel. He believes strongly in supporting Israeli students through education and research.
“We know the Technion is one of the leaders in education in helping Israel,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of technological advancement and education for Israel’s future.
His commitment to the Technion stems from family tradition. “My father was very involved with the Technion, and now I’m passing this on to my daughters and their families.” David has visited Israel six times and has taken his wife, daughters, and grandchildren to visit the University.
Besides the Technion, the Jaffas support several local institutions through CGAs, including the Jewish Federation of Detroit; Hillel Day School; Michigan State University; Hadassah; and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, among others.
David, 78, is semiretired. He still goes into the office daily. He explained why he values CGAs: “I’m making a gift to support the Technion and Israel; I’m getting a tax deduction on the gift, and it provides me with a guaranteed income for life that will supplement my retirement and help achieve my financial goals.” He also uses that income to help educate his grandchildren, give to charity, and fund more CGAs. “So, the income they’re generating is going back into the community once again.”
For David Jaffa, financial success is inseparable from his commitment to bettering the world. His enduring involvement with charitable organizations, his contributions to education, and his philosophy of giving back illustrate the profound impact one person can have when they choose to invest in the future.