NATIONAL (September 22, 2006)
Abe Saffron: colourful character, proud Jew
HENRY BENJAMIN
SYDNEY farewelled one of its most colourful characters last week as more than 300 people packed the Chevra Kadisha in Woollahra for the funeral of Abe Saffron.
Described frequently in the media as a notorious underworld figure, Saffron dominated an empire encompassing nightclubs, drag shows, adult entertainment and alcohol.
Rabbi Mendel Kastel, who officiated at the funeral last Monday, told the AJN that Saffron had been a member of his shul for more than 60 years.
“I was in regular contact with him since I came to Sydney 13 years ago. He came to shul for all the high holy days and never missed a yahrzeit. We would talk about issues he was involved in and I will remember him as a man who was always willing to help people in need without expecting anything in return.”
Vic Bogan, treasurer of Central Synagogue, was in Amsterdam when he heard about the death of his friend of 50 years.
“I thought so much of him, I made immediate plans to return home for the funeral. We had many business dealings together, some quite substantial, but we never had need of a contract. His word sufficed. I can only say he was good man, always willing to help,” Bogan said.
A spokesman for the Jewish Communal Appeal told the AJN that Saffron had been a donor every year since its inception in 1967. He also donated to Israeli causes, including the Jewish National Fund, and made a substantial donation to Moriah College.
Delivering the eulogy at the chevra kadisha before the burial at Rookwood, Rabbi Kastel told the eclectic gathering that Saffron had donated to the Catholic Church, the Jewish War Memorial in Perth, a kibbutz in Israel and that he was a founding member of the Hakoah Club in Bondi. He had also arranged the first visit to Australia by entertainer Frank Sinatra.
Despite being named in six royal commissions into organised crime, Saffron was only ever convicted once. He spent 27 months in prison having been found guilty in 1988 of tax fraud. Many of the underworld activities of the man dubbed as “Mr Sin”, a nickname Saffron challenged in court, are now legal. Alcohol, which was only legal after 6pm in 1956, can be found at any time.
Saffron, born in Annandale in 1919, is survived by his son Alan, daughter Melissa and eight grandchildren.
|
