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Scholar and Athlete
David Mark Berger was born in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He attended Tulane University from 1962 to 1966 where he was a weightlifter and honor student and true to these dual interests, while at Tulane, he won the NCAA weightlifting title and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology. Continuing his educational pursuits David earned a master's degree in business administration and a doctor of laws degree from Columbia University. All while continuing to train and compete in weightlifting events. His father, Benjamin, was once quoted as saying, "I used to tell him ‘You may not be the best weightlifter in the world, but you’re certainly the smartest!’"
In the early 1970s David emigrated to Israel, where he met and become engaged to an Israeli student. Continuing his weightlifting competitions, he won a silver medal at the 1971 Asian Games, and made the 1972 Israeli Olympic team. In late August of that year, Berger flew to Munich with his teammates. On September 2, 1972, David competed, but was eliminated in an early round. He was killed during a hostage taking of Israeli athletes at the Olympic games in Munich.
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