David Karp, 70, Esteemed Photographer for Jewish Organizations in New York
David Karp, a renowned photographer known for capturing moments at Jewish gatherings across New York City, passed away at the age of 70 on January 7. His wife, Jin Cao, reported to the Associated Press that he suffered a severe brain hemorrhage. Originally from Holon, Israel, Karp served in the Israel Defense Forces during the 1973 Yom Kippur War before relocating to the United States in 1992. Apart from his work with various Jewish groups, he also freelanced for the AP for close to three decades.
A photograph taken by David Karp featuring Abe Foxman, the former national director of the Anti-Defamation League, alongside Cardinal Timothy Dolan and U.S. National Security Advisor Susan Rice during an event honoring Foxman in New York on June 17, 2015, showcases his talent.
“David was our primary freelance photographer for all ADL events in New York City for over twenty years,” mentioned Todd Gutnick, senior communications director at the Anti-Defamation League. “His photography truly encapsulated the essence and vitality of Jewish life and leadership in America. David had an impeccable record of capturing the perfect shot and had a unique ability to provide instructions to his subjects in Hebrew, English, and sometimes Yiddish. I will greatly miss his humor, kindness, passion for Jewish cuisine and customs, as well as the fascinating stories he shared about his earlier life in Israel and encounters with celebrities.”
Hannah Deutch, 101, Compassionate Nurse and Refugee from Germany
Hannah Deutch shared her remarkable journey of escaping Nazi Germany as a teenager and finding refuge in England, where she trained as a nurse and tended to war victims as part of the British army. Recalling a visit by Churchill during her service, she fondly remembered his gratitude towards the nurses. Following her husband’s passing, she traveled to Chile to reunite with her mother, a Holocaust survivor, before settling in New York to work as an accountant in an advertising firm. She remained an active member of the Jewish Center of Jackson Heights for over four decades, emphasizing the sanctity of saving lives as a divine duty.
Rabbi Matisyahu Salomon, 86, Advocate Against Online Hazards
Rabbi Matisyahu Salomon, a spiritual mentor at Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, New Jersey for thirty years, organized a significant stadium rally in May 2012 to caution against the perils of the internet. His efforts aimed to alert the community about the moral pitfalls prevalent online. Known for his articulate lectures and emphasis on ethical conduct, Salomon played a pivotal role in guiding individuals towards enhancing their Torah studies, observance of mitzvot, and refining their character traits.
Pearl Berg, 114, Revered as the Oldest Jewish Individual
Pearl Berg, who lived to the remarkable age of 114, was celebrated as the world’s oldest Jew. A dedicated philanthropist within her local Hadassah chapter, she was married to businessman and investor Mark Berg for 58 years. Known for her healthy lifestyle choices and strong genetics, her youngest son, Robert Berg, highlighted her balanced approach to life. Pearl’s commitment to Jewish life was unwavering, evident through her active involvement in Temple Israel of Hollywood and support for Hadassah, as well as her enduring connection to the State of Israel.
Lawrence Langer, 94, Pioneering Scholar of Holocaust Survivor Narratives
Lawrence Langer, a distinguished professor of English at Simmons University in Boston, dedicated his career to exploring and analyzing the firsthand testimonies of Holocaust survivors. His acclaimed work, including the award-winning book “Holocaust Testimonies: The Ruins of Memory” (1991), emphasized the importance of preserving the authenticity and individuality of survivors’ experiences. Langer’s profound impact on Holocaust memory and literature studies continues to resonate through his extensive body of work, shaping the discourse on this critical period in history.