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Radio host, Jewish activist dies

Mike Eisenstadt, who hosted a Sunday show on WMNF and led tours to Israel with his wife, died of lung cancer.

By SAUNDRA AMHREIN
Published September 2, 2005

TAMPA -- Mike Eisenstadt, the long-time spirited host of the Sunday Simcha show on WMNF and a well-known activist in Tampa Bay's Jewish community, died Friday after a battle with lung cancer. He was 54.

Eisenstadt not only hosted the Sunday Simcha show, but he also led The Mike Eisenstadt Band in performances at bar mitvahs and weddings all over west-central Florida and, for the last five years, was the director of the Jewish Community Relations Council for the Tampa JCC/Federation following 20 years of volunteer service.

"He was an incredible force in this community,'' said Cathy Gardner, an executive assistant at Tampa JCC/Federation (which stands for Jewish Community Center).

"Mike was full of life, and he has a presence and a breadth and depth in this community,'' she said. "In the Jewish community, I don't think there was anybody who didn't know Mike. And in the general community, he touched so many lives through his Israel advocacy and political activism."

With Debbi, his wife of 32 years at his side, he led tours to Israel, she said.

"He loved the people and the culture and the music,'' she said.

He is survived by his wife, Debbi; two sons Mark and Keith Eisenstadt; mother, Dorothy Eisenstadt; brother, Carl Eisenstadt; and mother in law, Joyce Weissman.

Funeral Service will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4 at Congregation Kol-Ami, 3919 Moran Road, Tampa. Rabbi Joel Wasser will officiate. Interment will follow at Gan Shalom Cemetery, County Line Road, Tampa.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Congregation Kol-Ami, LifePath Hospice, The Jewish National Fund or to The Caring Bridge at www.caringbridge.org. Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Segal Funeral Home Beth David Chapel (813) 874-3330.

[Last modified September 2, 2005, 21:29:22]