Lifestyle/Community
Much loved educator Allan Karp passes on
The sudden and tragic passing on Monday of one of the Jewish community’s best-known and beloved educators, Allan Karp, was a shock for many. “Mr Karp”, as he was affectionately called by his students (even those who had long ago graduated), devoted his full vocational life to education.
ILAN HERRMANN
Allan grew up in Springs and after qualifying through Unisa, began teaching at Barnato Park. He subsequently took up the post of vice-principal at King David Linksfield Primary, which lasted over a decade and then became principal at the Toras Emes School, for some 20 years.
At the time of his passing at age 66, Allan was still teaching at three schools namely Mesivtah Shaarei Torah, Beis Yaakov, Hirsch Lyons as well as at Boston City College.
Since his passing, his family have been receiving countless message of goodwill and condolences from past students across the world including: Israel, London and the US.
He was laid to rest at the West Park Cemetery in the special area delineated for people whose contribution to community is especially tall.
Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein also attended the funeral in which the eulogy, delivered by Rabbi Moshe Kurtstag, Rosh Beth Din, described Allan as “someone who was incredibly knowledgeable, possessed a wonderful command of English and delivery skill, and from whom everyone could learn”.
An emotional Rabbi Yechezkel Auerbach of Ohr Someyach in Glenhazel told the gathering that Allan was someone who “passionately and deeply wished the success of people in their lives”.
Allan’s brother Michael described him as one who had an encyclopaedic knowledge. “My brother’s breadth of information was extraordinary. He specialised in English and also had a supreme knowledge of Jewish history.”
Allan was a sports fundi and was often called upon by the SA Football Association and officials from other sporting bodies, especially during the time of the 2010 Soccer World Cup, to write speeches for delivery at public events.
His nephew, Rabbi Eli Karp, speaking at prayers, characterised his uncle as one who took a personal interest in his students. “He built his students through encouragement and imparted a sense of belief in them, of their ability to succeed.”
“Allan had a deep empathy, genuinely cared for people and really touched lives. He understood the value of education as few people do,” were the words of one of the numerous rabbis who attended the funeral.
Allan is survived by his wife Beverly, son Tzivi and brother Michael.
Arthur Yannakou
January 7, 2017 at 5:40 am
‘I met Allan as a young 10 year old (early ’70’s) in Springs and because of him, became a fanatical Leeds United supporter. Although he was about 11 years older than me, I always remember the time that he spent with me. A kind and very generous man who went out of his way to help me with no alterior motive or nothing to gain. I also remember that he composed and wrote a song (and even sang) about the great George Best! I now live in Sydney and yes remain a loyal Leeds United supporter ‘
Daniel Bloch
May 26, 2024 at 5:08 am
He told amazing pashas when I was a boy in KDL some of those lessons I’ve carried with me through my life. Was looking him up and wanted to see if he could answer a questions from a story he once told relating to the conflict of today. I will seek it! He was a good man and had a nice nature! Great story teller!