I have many memories of training and competing with David Berger. I would happy to offer my memories of him: Dave was an   
 exceptional person - very bright, very strong and very determined. Yet at the same time, he was very laid back and gentle. He had
 a tremendous work ethic. Despite his heavy academic schedule at Columbia University, he found the time and energy to train hard
 and regularly at the McBurney YMCA in New York City, where he made many, many friends. Dave was a person who everyone liked
 and wanted to be around.

 I remember hearing of his becoming a hostage and being sickened by the thought that someone so young and so peaceful by 

 nature was threatened with a pointless and brutal death. I could not help but thinking it surely would work out in the end. 

 Tragically, it did not. But whatever was done to destroy Dave's physical being that dark day, there is no force on earth powerful 

 enough to destroy the wonderful memories of Dave that those who knew him will treasure forever.

 Artie Drechsler

 
 David and I trained together once a week for quite a few months. I was in a heavier weight class - but our lifts were comparable.
 We were friends.

 I never heard a vulgar or derogatory word from him. He was never late for a session.

 In 1972 I was sitting at the bar of the NOAC having a beer when the TV flashed the news of his death. I was shocked, saddened
 and bewildered; and still am. I can understand some of his decisions - there are many brilliant attorneys, only a few Olympians.

 Ralph Villars