José Ber Gelbard
Polish-Argentine activist, politician and economic adviser
José Ber Gelbard was a prominent figure in Argentine politics, born in Poland and later becoming a key player in the country's economic and political landscape. As a member of the Argentine Communist Party, he was actively involved in organizing the Confederación General Económica (CGE), a coalition of small and medium-sized businesses. His expertise in economics led to his appointment as an advisor to Juan Perón, marking the beginning of a long-standing relationship with the Argentine government.
Gelbard's career spanned several decades, during which he served as Minister of Finance under successive governments. His tenure in this position was repeated multiple times, showcasing his expertise and trustworthiness in the eyes of the government. However, his time in Argentina came to an abrupt end with the military coup of March 1976. Faced with the impending takeover, Gelbard fled the country with his family, seeking and gaining political asylum in the United States. He eventually settled in Washington, D.C., bringing an end to his chapter in Argentine politics.