What do the Titanic, Macy’s Department Store, Anne Frank, and the Israeli city of Netanya have in common? The Straus family. Here’s a brief history.
Jewish immigrant brothers Isidor and Nathan Straus were co-owners of Macy’s and dedicated to both business and improving their community. In 1912, Nathan decided to remain in Europe while his brother Isidor boarded the Titanic.
Shortly before midnight on April 14, 1912, the Titanic sank, claiming the lives of more than 1,500 passengers, including Isidor Straus and his wife, Ida.
As the ship began to sink, Isidor and Ida were offered a place on a lifeboat, but with women and children still on board, they refused. Ida had earlier been given a seat but chose to remain with her husband, saying, “We have lived together for many years. Where you go, I go.” The couple was last seen sitting together on the deck before the ship went under, a moment later depicted in the movie Titanic.
Nathan went on to become a successful businessman, philanthropist, and proud Zionist. He visited the Jewish homeland in the early 1900s and dedicated his wealth to improving health and welfare. In recognition of his contributions, the Israeli city of Netanya was named after him in 1928.
Nathan’s son, Nathan Straus Jr., was a college roommate and lifelong friend of Otto Frank, Anne Frank’s father. Their families remained close, even vacationing together before the war. In 2007, letters surfaced revealing Otto’s attempts to escape Nazi-occupied Holland before going into hiding.
Photo: Isidor and Ida Straus
