 |
David LevitanPhysical education teacher
Date of Birth: 03.03.1903
Country:  Russia |
Content:
- Early Life and Involvement in Sports
- Involvement in Maccabi and Persecution
- Military Service and Imprisonment
- Life in Eretz Israel and Continued Involvement in Sports
- Family and Later Life
Early Life and Involvement in Sports
Born on March 3, 1903, in Dvinsk, David Levitan grew up as an ordinary boy, engaging in swimming and soccer but not particularly drawn to sports. With the outbreak of World War I, his family evacuated to Saransk, followed by another relocation to Novorossiysk after the civil war, where he completed his secondary education.
In Novorossiysk, Levitan's involvement in sports intensified, particularly in swimming and wrestling. He became active in the "Kruжок самоусовершенствования и физического развития" (Circle for Self-Improvement and Physical Development), which later transformed into "Maccabi," with Levitan serving as its secretary. Under his leadership, Novorossiysk's Maccabi society flourished, becoming the strongest in the region.
Involvement in Maccabi and Persecution
With the establishment of Soviet power, Maccabi faced persecution and was temporarily shut down. However, following an appeal to Isaac Rabinovich, the leader of Maccabi in the USSR, the society was reinstated under the name "Спортивная секция Всевобуча - Маккаби" (Sports Section of the All-Russian Military Training - Maccabi).
In 1921, Levitan's family returned to Dvinsk, but he remained in Moscow, where he became actively involved in both the teaching and organizational aspects of Maccabi. In 1924, he was elected its secretary.
Levitan's influence extended beyond Maccabi. He led gymnastics classes at the "Габима" (Habima) state Jewish theater, both in the USSR and later in Eretz Israel. During a particularly challenging period for Maccabi in the 1920s, when it was officially closed and operating semi-legally, Levitan helped establish the "Московское общество любителей гимнастики и спорта" (Moscow Society of Gymnastics and Sports Lovers), which became a safe haven for Jewish athletes.
Military Service and Imprisonment
In 1925, Levitan was conscripted into the Red Army, where he served as an instructor in physical training. After demobilization, he entered the Moscow Institute of Physical Culture, but was expelled in 1928 by the OGPU secret police. Shortly after, he was arrested for his involvement in Zionist activities.
He spent four months in prison before being sentenced to three years of exile in Shadrinsk, Southern Urals. Even amidst his confinement, Levitan remained active, leading gymnastics and track and field groups.
In December 1929, Zionist prisoners were expelled from the USSR, and Levitan boarded the ship "Novorossiysk" to arrive in Jaffa in January 1930.
Life in Eretz Israel and Continued Involvement in Sports
Levitan's life in Eretz Israel began with work on orange plantations and later on construction sites. In 1936-1937, he became the head of security at the Tel Aviv port under construction.
Throughout this period, Levitan continued his active participation in the development of sports in Eretz Israel. He coached track and field teams in Petah Tikva and Tel Aviv, and organized competitions in 1931 and 1932. In 1932, he was elected to the leadership of the sports society "Hapoel."
In 1950, Levitan became the head of physical education and sports for the Jewish Agency's "Aliyat HaNoar" (Youth Aliyah) movement. He spent 18 years in this role, retiring in 1968. His work took him across the country, visiting countless cities and towns by public bus.
Levitan's legacy extends far beyond his own accomplishments. His son, Yaakov, followed in his father's footsteps, dedicating his life to the promotion of physical education in Israel.
Family and Later Life
David Levitan married Rivka in 1934 after meeting her at the Workers' Olympics in Prague. They returned to Eretz Israel, where they raised a family.
Despite his age and health challenges, David Levitan has remained engaged and vibrant. He retains his clear, wise, and kind eyes, which reflect the resilience and spirit of a life well-lived.
