After his graduation from CHS, followed by his completion of a law degree from Creighton, Henry Monsky dedicated his work, and his life, to social justice issues on local, national, and international levels. At the local level, Henry established a lifelong relationship with Boys Town through his collaboration and friendship with Boys Town’s founder, Fr. Edward Flanagan. From Boys Town’s very beginning, Fr. Flanagan relied heavily on Henry’s legal expertise and personal counsel, and Henry’s support was unequivocal because Fr. Flanagan and he shared the same vision for youth, including a sincere interest in helping young people work through the challenges of the juvenile justice system. On the national level, Henry served on many boards and spoke to many groups, including interfaith groups, on issues of juvenile justice and as a child welfare advocate, established the AZA, the world’s largest Jewish youth organization, and received appointments from Presidents Roosevelt and Truman. Henry also traveled internationally, focusing on Jewish causes in the world, including serving as International President of B’Nai B’rith, the world’s largest Jewish service club, helping to form the National Jewish Conference, serving as editor of the National Jewish Monthly, and consulting with the U.S. delegation at the formation of the United Nations.
Henry passed away in 1947 at the age of 57.