For the Fort Lauderdale resident, the latest trek into despair occurred Tuesday evening when NBC broadcast a segment on the Israeli massacre by Palestinian terrorists during the 1972 Summer Olympic Games in Munich.
One of the 11 Israelis killed Sept. 5, 1972 was weightlifter David Berger, a friend and mentor of Herman's.
"Every four years, I see David's face and it never changes," said Herman, 38. "For most people, it's just this big world event that happened a long time ago. But for me, it's a matter of knowing my buddy David will never come back."
If not for a knee injury a month before the '72 Olympics, Herman may well have been a 12th victim of the Black September guerrilla group that killed the Israelis. Herman, a weightlifter from suburban Cleveland now living in Fort Lauderdale, was in line to compete for Israel in the featherweight division before the injury ruined his chances. As a Jew, Herman was eligible for the Israeli team despite his U.S. citizenship.
Berger, who lived within walking distance of Herman's home, had been instrumental in getting Herman an opportunity to lift for the Israelis.
When Herman heard that terrorists had taken over the Israeli compound in the Olympic Village, he walked over to Berger's parents' home.
"I stayed there for the entire ordeal," Herman said. "It was surreal, something out of a Kafka novel. Some of David's relatives, who hadn't heard what was going on, called up his parents to congratulate them because David was in the Olympics."
The 23-hour drama ended at a military air base near Munich. One of the terrorists threw a grenade into the helicopter where Berger was bound and gagged. The terrorist then turned his machine gun on the other Israelis, who were inside a second helicopter. All the Israelis and five of the eight terrorists were killed.
"The worst part of the whole thing is that they came on the television once and announced that all the athletes had been rescued and were safe," said Herman, referring to statements by a West German government spokesman. "The whole house just erupted. Then we learned it wasn't true."
Herman and the Bergers received another jolt when ABC reported that the body of a unnamed "large Israeli weightlifter" had been tossed out of the compound by the terrorists. Herman and the Bergers figured it was David.
"We guessed it was David because he was 162 pounds and just about the biggest Israeli weightlifter at the Games," Herman said.
But it was Joseph Romano, who was killed after attacking the terrorists with a knife.
“When we heard it was Romano, there was a collective sigh in the house," Herman said. "Then total depression.”
The effects of the tragedy didn't hit Herman until a few months later. He entered a Wisconsin hospital to receive treatment for Delayed Stress Syndrome. Herman attributes a bout with drugs and alcohol to the massacre.
"David was just a hell of a guy," said Herman, who owns two fitness gyms in Broward. "When I think of David, I think of a nice, rich Jewish kid who wasn't the slightest bit political. He wasn't in the Olympics for Israel or America or anyone else. He just wanted to compete."
Herman manages to control the pain and anger most of the time, but the emotions surfaced Tuesday night during the NBC segment.
Herman is beyond blaming the West Germans for a botched rescue attempt at the air base or even the terrorists themselves. But flashes of Berger's face on NBC had Herman reliving his horror all over again.
“It was a situation that caused my entire life to be broken up," Herman said. "It's something I'll never forget living through."
Howard A. Kramer
Barry was one of a kind. A very giving and caring friend. A great spirit. He overcame any challenges through dogged determination. Lifted weights in junior high with him and later as a personal trainer when he was living in South Florida in the 90's. Lost touch. My heart is dented and i'm sure many other hearts are broken with this loss.
Robert Rajkovich
I was on the wrestling team at Heights with Barry. Unfortunately for me the same weight class too. A great teammate and one of the hardest working people I knew. Condolences to his family.
Ronald J. Likover
My condolences to his family. Many years ago he worked out at the same health club I did and he was so kind in giving me tips on how to use the equipment. I really appreciated that.
Roger Curtiss
My enduring memory of Barry was the day he walked into a 3rd floor classroom, saw that there was a substitute teacher and said, "Well, I'm not going to stay here" before jumping out the window.
What was not immediately obvious was that he was hanging onto the ledge!
He also gained fame by riding his bicycle down Cain Park hill while standing on it.
A true character and a great guy.
Roger Kronenberg
Standing up on his bicycle while riding down Cain Park hill was nothing for Barry. I vividly remember him doing handstands on the handlebars of his big motorcycle--with me screaming from the back seat.
A true character and great guy, for sure.
Marla Kanoff (Kanoff)
He was a Cedarbrook Boy. Me: Tullamore Girl. I can't remember a time in my childhood/teen years without Barry weaving in and out of my sightline. Running. On a bike. Motorcycle. On his hands walking down the block. Hanging out a window. Jumping off of garages. Flying around!! Doing a flag on our tether ball pole at age 11. Amazing us with his Incredible strength. He was joyous. So out there. Loving and friendly.
He was born with three kidneys. I recall hm saving his sister's life by donating one of them. He was so proud of that. Again. We were amazed. I loved watching him wrestle in HS. He was our own Superman. Such determination and pride.
He weathered joys and sorrows. He loved deeply. He won championships and turned his passion into business. And mourned the tagic loss of his friend and mentor, David.
When we saw each other at our 20th reunion we were so excited. He ran to me and picked me up in the air. He didn't know I was pregnant when he almost squeezed te baby right out of me!!!
What a life, Barry!
He followed his bliss..and he encouraged and mentored others in his field. Even during his hard times he was always supportive of others.
I will miss knowing Barry is here. His boundless energy is swirling in the ether.
May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.
Huge condolences to family and closest friends.
RIP Forever Friend.
Donald DiFrancesco
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, Barry was my teammate in the old Tris Speaker League. I'm sure that Barry would have been the first to tell you he wasn't a very good baseball player. But he was the most fun, most interesting, and best-liked player on the team. And easily the most memorable character.
RIP, Barry
Gary B. Ellis
One morning at Wiley, before the start of the school day, I was at my locker. Barry strode by, in that wide gait of his. He motioned to his waist, for me to look. One-by-one, Barry peeled back eight Jockey underwears, under his pants. He had an appointment that afternoon to get paddled by Mr. Nisius.
I have carried this in my mind’s eye for 50 years.
Back in the day, Reader’s Digest ran an occasional article, “The Most Unforgettable Character I Ever Met.” That’s a pretty high standard to bear. For me, at our age, I’m not sure who to name. I do know one Wiley boy who’s among the contenders.
A fond farewell, my friend!
Hal Becker
Right before the summer of ninth grade, we were "hanging" somewhere we usually would gather, whether it was at Wiley Pool, Bryan Rubenstein's house, or the cafeteria at Wiley Jr High. Barry said to a few people who were around him "Hey guys, try to take me down to the ground." Well, we were stupid enough to be up to the "challenge." We were successful, except for the fact I had a pencil in my shirt pocket that scratched his face. Afterwards, Barry commented, "Becker, you are dead." Now, fear set in since strength was NOT my strength! I knew that Barry was going to take corrective measures against me. He was NOT ALLOWED to touch me until school was over. I guess the school somehow was involved and set up a "no beating up" Hal policy. Well, the summer session started and I remember being at Jimmy Sandler's house at his backyard pool when Barry came by and said, "Becker, you are mine." Yes, he did beat the crap out of me and after the bruising, he said, "OK, we are even. Let's go somewhere."
We stayed in touch over the years and once, a few years ago, he came by our home and provided an extensive workout program for my wife and myself. He was so full of energy, great at his occupation, and truly loved helping people. Oh yeah, he was a man of his word since I had the bruising on my arms as proof. Barry was truly one of a kind.
Hal Becker