Isidor Straus
Quick Summary
Isidor Straus was a prominent Jewish American businessman and philanthropist. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, and immigrated to the United States with his family. He, along with his brother Nathan, acquired full ownership of Macy's department store in 1896. Straus also served briefly in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tragically, Isidor and his wife, Ida, perished on the RMS Titanic in 1912, after Isidor refused a seat in a lifeboat, adhering to the "women and children first" protocol. His brother, Nathan, was also a co-owner of Macy's and became known for his extensive philanthropic work, particularly in public health and child welfare.12
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