[1] Friedman, who was born in Romania on January 1, 1919, was a survivor of concentration camps at both Dachau and Auschwitz, and was eventually liberated by United States forces.
After some time as a displaced person, he emigrated to the United States,[2] eventually owned several restaurants in Niagara Falls, and became known as a successful New York businessman.
These projects have involved the local community in Buffalo, New York, and have continued after Samuel Friedman's death from a cardiac arrest.
The foundation maintains his original intention through the establishment of projects such as The Samuel Friedman Library in the Institute for Jewish Thought and Heritage [3] at the University of Buffalo.
[5] It remains a non-profit organization, noted for its contributions to the general Buffalo community, and for its Rescue Award, given annually.