Leo & Sybil Zeftel File #175

Leo & Sybil Zeftel File #175

Leo & Sybil Zeftel

Leo Zeftel (1925-1999) was an organic chemist involved in the negotiations that resulted in an international chemical weapons treaty, ratified by the U.S. in 1997, and worked to raise awareness of the dangers of chemical weapons. He was deeply involved with the Jewish Federation of Delaware, serving the organization in various positions throughout his life. His wife, Syble Zeftel (1926-2018), was an educator and activist who taught mathematics in Wilmington public schools and had leadership positions in many organizations such as the National Council of Jewish Women and the League of Women Voters. Her interest in politics inspired her to participate in the civil rights movement, anti-war efforts, and – in her mid-80s – the Occupy Wall Street movement. In This interview, they discuss their early lives in Providence, Rhode Island, their careers, and their community involvement.

Jewish Historical Society of Delaware

July 9, 1998

audio cassette tape

English

oral history

116

Yetta Chaiken

Leo & Sybil Zeftel

audio cassette tape

45 minutes, 38 seconds