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In Memoriam: Alan Bergstein, Fearless Voice for Israel and Conservative Thought, Dies at 92

By: Fern Sidman

The editorial team of The Jewish Voice is grieving the loss of one of its most influential and beloved members, Alan Bergstein, who passed away at the age of 92. A pillar of the publication’s editorial page and a fierce advocate for the Jewish people, Bergstein’s voice was one of passion, conviction, and moral clarity in a time when such qualities have become increasingly rare in public discourse.

A prolific writer, speaker, and community leader, Alan Bergstein leaves behind a towering legacy as a defender of Zionism, a fighter against antisemitism, and a conservative intellectual whose words resonated across generations. His passing marks not only the end of an era for The Jewish Voice, but a profound loss for the wider pro-Israel and conservative communities he championed with unflinching resolve.

A Pen Wielded with Principle

For years, Bergstein served as the editorial page director of The Jewish Voice, contributing countless columns that earned him a devoted readership and a reputation for incisive commentary. His writing was marked by a unique blend of moral outrage, historical awareness, and biting wit. He did not hedge. He did not equivocate. Alan told it exactly as he saw it — and did so with elegance, erudition, and courage.

A devout Zionist and lifelong defender of Jewish survival and identity, Bergstein was never afraid to speak out — even, and especially, when it was unpopular. His editorials thundered against the rising tide of antisemitism in American life, on college campuses, in politics, and in media. He was a “cognitive warrior,” as colleagues described him, constantly engaged in what he saw as a spiritual and ideological battle for the soul of the Jewish people and the state of Israel.

A Conservative Crusader

Alan was also a staunch political conservative who relished taking on the mainstream media and progressive orthodoxy with what The Jewish Voice called “palpable gusto.” He took aim at what he viewed as the distortions and hypocrisies of the left-leaning press, laying bare the ideological biases that shaped their reporting. His critiques were relentless but never gratuitous; he argued with facts, historical precedent, and the conviction of someone who had lived long enough to see the stakes of political complacency.

Jewish Voice publisher David Ben-Hooren recalled Alan’s fearless voice: “We could always count on Alan for superbly written editorials on an extensive variety of subjects and he never shied away from attacking liberal Democrats, even if that meant they would attempt to silence him. He paid a price for penning the truth and speaking truth to power.”

Orator, Organizer, and Public Intellectual

Beyond the written word, Bergstein was a gifted orator and a widely sought-after speaker, addressing synagogues, churches, civic groups, and political forums throughout the country. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge and razor-sharp intellect, he brought an arsenal of facts to every public debate — and frequently outmatched his ideological opponents.

He was also the founder and president of the Judeo-Christian Republican Club in South Florida, a space he created to foster meaningful dialogue and alliance between pro-Israel Christians and Jews in the conservative movement. The club drew high-profile guests like political strategist Roger Stone and former New York Assemblyman Dov Hikind, among many others.

Regularly featured on radio and television, Bergstein became a “go-to” commentator for thoughtful perspectives from the right. As The Jewish Voice noted, he was frequently seen sporting a MAGA baseball cap, a symbol that often stirred debate — and occasionally outrage — in Florida’s predominantly liberal political landscape. But Alan was undeterred by controversy. He wore his beliefs with pride, standing firm even when doing so came at personal or professional cost.

A Friend, a Mentor, a Mensch

To those who knew him personally, Alan was far more than a public figure — he was a loyal friend, a trusted confidant, and a man of great warmth and generosity. The writer of this article shared a heartfelt tribute to their relationship: “Alan was like a big brother to me. We talked for hours and engaged in a lively exchange of ideas and perspectives. He was a warm-hearted man who always cared about me and I about him. I will miss his distinct wit and sagacious wisdom. May his precious neshama have an aliya in Gan Eden and may his memory be for a blessing,” said Jewish Voice editor, Fern Sidman.

Ronald Edelstein, a fellow writer and journalistic colleague of Alan Bergstein told The Jewish Voice: “There was no one like Alan and there most probably will never be. He was a tireless champion of Jewish rights and a brilliant political commentator and analyst. He was a man of great conviction and enormous integrity who paid the price for courageously exposing the nefarious agenda of the left-wing media and its Democratic party supporters. On a personal level, I was exceptionally proud to call him and a friend and colleague as he was a true Jewish hero in every respect of the word.”

Speaking of the time they spent together, Edelstein said, “I had the distinct honor and privilege to work side by side with Alan during the 2020 presidential election when we both made a series of media appearances promoting President Trump’s re-election bid. We both were totally immersed in this effort, and I still recall Alan’s complete and unwavering devotion to making sure that he would be re-elected. His energy was unrelenting and he was quite distraught when learning that the election was stolen from him. But when Trump won the 2024 election, Alan once again saw hope for the country he loved so much and had spent the lion’s share of his life fighting for. I will miss him so very much.”

Those sentiments echo through the halls of The Jewish Voice, where Alan’s absence is already deeply felt. His voice, uncompromising and unapologetically principled, cannot be replaced — but it will continue to inspire.

Legacy of a Fighter

In an age of polarization and ideological retreat, Alan Bergstein remained fearlessly on the frontlines — defending Jewish values, calling out hypocrisy, and standing up for the truth, no matter how uncomfortable. He believed in the power of words to awaken, challenge, and mobilize. And he wielded that power for the betterment of his people and his country.

As The Jewish Voice mourns his passing, it does so with immense gratitude for the life and legacy of a man who refused to be silent. Alan Bergstein’s memory is already a blessing — and his work will live on in the countless minds and hearts he stirred.

May his precious neshoma have any aliya in Gan Eden and may his memory be for a blessing

More on the Extraordinary Life & Legacy of Alan Bergstein

Alan Bergstein, a beloved father, decorated veteran, longtime educator, and outspoken conservative thought leader, passed away on April 5, 2025, in Boca Raton, Florida. He was 92 years old. As noted by The Palm Beach Post, Bergstein died peacefully, surrounded by family, just six weeks after celebrating his 92nd birthday.

From the streets of Brooklyn to the lecture halls of the Bronx, the battlefields of post-war Europe, and the political stages of Palm Beach County, Bergstein led a life marked by principled conviction, intellectual vitality, and an unwavering commitment to truth. His legacy is one that threads together service, scholarship, and spirited advocacy—rooted deeply in love for his people, his country, and his ideals.

A Life Rooted in Education and Service

Born on February 21, 1933, to Joseph and Rose Bergstein in Brooklyn, New York, Alan displayed leadership and athleticism early on, serving as captain of the swim team at Stuyvesant High School. He continued his education at Brooklyn College before launching a career in teaching mathematics in the New York City public school system. His excellence in education was quickly recognized: after placing in the top 10 on a city-wide civil service exam, he rose to become an assistant principal in the Bronx.

But Bergstein’s journey was not confined to classrooms. During the Korean War, he proudly served his country, patrolling the cold German border — memories he would later recount with both pride and poignancy. In recent years, he was honored through participation in the Honor Flight program, which celebrates the service of U.S. military veterans.

Family Man and Entrepreneur

In 1955, Alan married Phyllis Karpe, and together they raised a family in Massapequa, Long Island. After retiring from education in 1988 and moving briefly to East Hampton, Alan and Phyllis relocated to Boca Raton in 1992, where his second act in life began to flourish.

In addition to his career in education, Bergstein also exhibited entrepreneurial ambition, founding 4 Kids Novelty Co. in 1979, a small business venture he nurtured alongside his professional responsibilities. His personal passions were as diverse as they were meaningful: Little League coach, stage actor, genealogist, and above all, a man who loved the written and spoken word.

A Conservative Torchbearer and Defender of Israel

As The Palm Beach Post reported, Bergstein’s most visible and enduring impact in later life came through his tireless conservative political activism. He was the founder and president of the Judeo-Christian Republican Club of Palm Beach County, an organization that blossomed into a vibrant community of hundreds of members. Hosting prominent guest speakers, such as political strategist Roger Stone and Jewish-American advocate Dov Hikind, the club served as a powerful platform for debate, education, and mobilization.

Alan was a gifted orator and formidable debater, never shying away from controversial subjects, even when addressing ideologically hostile crowds. His commentaries — whether delivered in person, in The Jewish Voice, or through his widely circulated email bulletins — made him a trusted voice in conservative and Zionist circles.

“He was passionately pro-Israel,” The Palm Beach Post noted. “Even into his 90s, he wrote compelling editorials, calling out rising antisemitism and defending the Jewish state with intellectual rigor and moral clarity.”

He even ran for County Commissioner in 2004, seeking to bring his ideas to the heart of local governance.

A Rich Personal Life, Well-Lived

Bergstein’s personal life was marked by enduring love, unbreakable family bonds, and an insatiable curiosity about the world. He remained intellectually active until the very end, reading both fiction and nonfiction voraciously—especially mysteries—and traveling extensively. He even volunteered on a kibbutz in Israel, further deepening his connection to the Jewish homeland.

He never quite forgave the Brooklyn Dodgers for leaving New York, and he retained a lifelong love for big-band music, jazz, and Frank Sinatra. His favorite piece of music was George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” He remained physically active as well, playing tennis into his 70s and swimming regularly, marveling often at his own longevity.

Alan is survived by his children:

Jonathan (Mary Elizabeth) of Midlothian, Virginia

Stephen (Suzanne) of New Paltz, New York

Naomi Dugan of Louisville, Kentucky

He is also survived by two grandsons, James Meyls and Jack Dugan, as well as Jack’s father, Peter Dugan.

He was predeceased by his daughter Stephanie (1966), son David (2016), and his brother Herbert (1996). He also shared a loving 20-year partnership with the late Marjory Bitson, and more recently found companionship with Trudy Adwar of Boca Raton. He remained close with Marjory’s daughter, Tracy Schneiter, and had countless friends who admired and adored him.

A Final Word

In reflecting on Bergstein’s life, The Palm Beach Post captured a portrait of a man who never stopped fighting, never stopped thinking, and never stopped caring — about his family, his faith, his nation, and his people.

He was not only a man of action, but also a man of thought. Whether writing essays, debating political adversaries, or coaching young athletes, Alan brought the full force of his heart and intellect to every endeavor. He lived fully, loved deeply, and inspired widely.

His absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy — one built on truth, courage, and love — will live on in the countless lives he touched.

May his memory be for an eternal blessing.