Tributes flow for ‘quintessential mensch’
MAGEN David Adom (MDA) NSW life governor and immediate past president Allan Bermeister has passed away at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer.
MAGEN David Adom (MDA) NSW life governor and immediate past president Allan Bermeister has passed away at the age of 75 after a battle with cancer.
Bermeister served as president from 2011 until May this year, during which time he grew the organisation’s membership to over 1000 families and was lauded by MDA’s leadership in Israel for his outstanding contributions.
His successor as president, Roland Nagel, told The AJN that the community had lost a “quintessential mensch”.
“He was such a warm, kind, considerate person. He always found the good in everybody and I think he really won so much support and acknowledgement because of the character that he was,” he said.
“I’ve certainly been very inspired by Allan and he really motivated so many people, including myself, to get involved with MDA.”
Nagel said the organisation had received expressions of sympathy and condolences from MDA Israel as well as from its various friends societies around the world.
“Allan was so liked and admired by not only MDA Israel, but also by the societies,” he said.
“He made an enormous contribution. He always thought of innovative approaches to how we raise community awareness.
“[His] legacy really is revitalising the organisation and raising the awareness and making people more committed not only to Israel generally, but MDA specifically.”
Son Kevin Bermeister described his father as a “pillar of the community who will be sorely missed”.
“Allan’s good name was connected with his parting day, Chai [18] Elul – the birthday of the Baal Shem Tov,” he said.
“His Hebrew name Avraham Chaim reflected his kind, caring disposition, his genuine desire to engage and help. He infused his wisdom sensitively, touching the lives of many.”
The family has donated an ambulance to MDA in his honour.
“We are grateful the family was able to dedicate an ambulance in his name during his life,” Kevin said.
“He considered working for MDA an honour and a privilege and the visit by representatives from Israel, in his final days, was a major highlight and recognition of his tremendous contribution.”
During his leadership Bermeister oversaw the introduction of both MDA first aid courses and booklets and business and professional luncheons.
He facilitated the donation of an MDA first responder motorbike from the community and also helped to grow Young MDA.
GARETH NARUNSKY
Allan Bermeister has passed away at the age of 75.
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