"That's David," said Wiesel.
Pincus is a largely unsung humanitarian, more comfortable working behind the scenes. He is well-known in Philadelphia art circles for his impressive modern collection and for donating his works to the region's biggest museums. But most of his charity has escaped notice because it was overseas, or anonymous.
"He is a man of many obsessions," said Gerry, his wife of 48 years. He is not a passive investor when he commits himself to a mission, whether it is art, a person in need, or a cause that captures his imagination.
For the last 25 years, Pincus has been consumed with easing the suffering of children. His obsession has led him on pilgrimages to witness wars and disasters - Sudan, Mozambique, Liberia, Haiti, the Balkans.
He has had some adventures. A Somali soldier pointed a gun at him for taking Polaroid pictures. He endured the stench of the dead multitudes after a tsunami hit Bangladesh. A starving child in Somalia died while cradled in his arms, an experience he will never forget.
Now, at 82, Pincus has turned his attention to charities closer to home that target disadvantaged children and youths - hospitals, playgrounds, Community College of Philadelphia.
At this stage of life, he is becoming less attached to material things. He traded in his SUV for a tiny red Honda. He is divesting his art to underwrite his philanthropy. He doesn't like to talk about the scale of his generosity - that flirts with boastfulness. But associates say his gifts easily exceed $1 million a year and are growing.
