Gordon DeLeon

Gordon DeLeon, born in Rhodes, recounts his childhood under Turkish and Italian rule and his family’s immigration to Seattle in 1912 via Ellis Island, where his father opened a shoe shop and helped organize early Sephardic religious services. He describes the development of Seattle’s Sephardic community, including religious life, naturalization, and social and cultural activities. DeLeon also reflects on his leadership roles in organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League and B'nai B'rith, and recalls the impact of World War II on Jews from Rhodes. Listen to Gordon's Oral History Interview at the UW Jewish Archives.