Devoted to the Newcastle upon Tyne community, Benny Hantman quietly oversaw major changes in its institutions, writes Faga Speker.
Brought up in the city’s west end, he was one of three sons and a daughter of Hilda and Abe Hantman. In 1939 he volunteered for the RAF and became a wireless officer. While sailing to Belgium in 1944 he was one of only 22 survivors after his ship was torpedoed. He swam for two hours before being rescued.
After the war he joined his father’s business, A. Hantman Tailors. The family belonged to the United Hebrew Congregation’s former Beth Hamedrash Synagogue, known as Ravensworth Shul, close to their business premises.
Following family tradition, Benny was appointed synagogue trustee, assisting his father who was honorary treasurer. He was seen as capable, reliable and having the interests of the shul at heart.
