Bernie Taft was born in Hanover, Germany in 1918. In 1933 with the rise of the Nazism, his family moved to Palestine for two years. They returned to Europe and then migrated to Australia in March 1939. Bernie was well-known as an active member of the Australian Left in various roles. He left the Communist Party in 1984 and, with others, formed the Socialist Forum. He was also an active member of the Australian Jewish Democratic Society (AJDS) for many years and at times, he liked to try out the Hebrew he had learned so many years ago on other members of the organisation.
The loss of his intelligence, wit, humanity, and his connections to the past will be felt by many.
A memorial celebration of the life of Bernie Taft will be held on Sunday, September 1, 2013 at 11am at the Darebin Arts and Entertainment Centre, corner St Georges Road and Bell Street, Preston (car parking available).
Our sincere condolences to his partner Eileen, son Mark, and all the family.
From the Australian Jewish Democratic Society (AJDS) Executive
In Memoriam – Vale Bernie Taft 27.6.1918 – 23.7.2013
