SQUADRON, HOWARD MAURICE

SQUADRON, HOWARD MAURICE (1926–2002), American Jewish communal leader. Squadron was born in New York City and graduated in law from Columbia University, where he was an editor of the Columbia Law Review. After teaching at the University of Chicago, he practiced law in New York, and after spending two years as staff counsel for the American Jewish Congress, he reentered private practice in 1954. He ultimately became the senior partner at Squadron, Ellenoff, Plesen & Sheinfeld.

Active in the American Jewish Congress for 25 years, and serving as its senior vice president, chairman of the National Governing Council, chairman of the national Commission on Law and Social Action, and chairman of the Congress's New York Metropolitan Council, he was elected president in 1978, retaining the position until 1984. In that capacity, he helped spearhead an assembly of mayors from around the world held annually in Jerusalem. At the 1999 conclave, Squadron was awarded the Guardian of the City of Jerusalem Medal. Squadron was an active participant in the America-Israel "Dialogue," an annual symposium conducted by the American Jewish Congress in Jerusalem. From 1980 to 1982 he served as chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

Active in the cultural life of New York City, Squadron was chairman of the executive committee of the Foundation for Joffrey Ballet, Inc., as well as of the Fifty-fifth Street Dance Theater Foundation.