"I feel very strongly for the Jewish community all over the world and I have a compassion for people in need and for animals," said Julius Lipton as he explained why he and his wife, Arlene, have not only given to the United Jewish Appeal for 50 years, but also contribute to about 75 other charitable organizations.

In 1984, after living in West Orange for 32 years, the couple moved but continued to give to the United Jewish Appeal of MetroWest NJ every year.

The Liptons care very strongly about Israel. "Israel started out as desert and look what they built in spite of all the enemies surrounding them," Julius said. "If the Arabs would only make peace, Israel could help them."

Horrified and outraged by the Nazi persecution of the Jews during World War II, Julius enlisted in the U.S. Army as soon as he could, volunteered to go overseas, and then volunteered for front-line duty. He served in Italy with the 88th Division field artillery as a forward observer, going ahead of the unit with a few men to set up an observation post. "I was almost killed a number of times," he recalled.

He entered the service as a private, but eventually became an officer. Later, during the Korean War, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves, from which he retired as a major.

During his war service in Italy, he adopted an Italian boy through the Foster Parents Plan for War Children, Inc., paying $15 a month, with additional contributions at Christmas and Easter. On a three-day leave, he went from Leghorn, Italy, to the Sacred Heart school in Rome to visit the boy. However, when he arrived, he found that the boy was at another school, about 100 miles to the south, where he was studying for the priesthood. In the courtyard, Lipton chose a quiet boy who was playing checkers, took him to the PX, bought him many items, including toothpaste, candy, and clothing, and asked him to do the same for another boy in need when he grew up.

Lipton did keep in touch with the boy he had adopted through the Foster Parents Plan and years later went back to visit him. By that time he was a priest, who later came to the United States and visited Lipton and his family.

Julius's roots in the MetroWest community go back many years. He was a student at Central High School in Newark, where he was a diving champ. For many years he was a member of the YMHA in Newark. He won the State of New Jersey doubles championship in handball and later played racquetball.

The Liptons have two daughters and one granddaughter.

If you, like Arlene and Julius Lipton, have given to UJA for 25 years or more, the Jewish Community Foundation of MetroWest would like to recognize you as a Ner Tamid Achiever, with a listing on the Ner Tamid honor roll and invitations to special events. If you are already a Ner Tamid Achiever, JCF encourages you to share your thoughts and feelings about UJA at .