Saul Stuart Gefter

During his lifetime, Dr. Saul Stuart Gefter, Esq. achieved over 50 years professional experience as an independent attorney, US diplomat, and consultant specializing in international affairs. He graduated with a JD from Georgetown University and received his Masters of Law degree from George Washington University. He was a member of the DC Bar Association and was accredited to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Saul was fluent in Portuguese, was a professor of English, and an accomplished foreign language translator.
During his tenure with the US Government, Saul served as the Senior Contracting Officer for Motion Pictures, Radio and TV for USIS/USIA, Administrative Officer at the American Embassy in Brasilia (Brazil) and at the Interests Section in Havana (Cuba), Assistant Director of the Voice of America at Radio Martí, Chief of the Afghan Media Project, and as the Branch Public Affairs Officer at the Consulate in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). His overseas assignments included Brazil, Cuba and the former USSR and he saw service in Austria, Chile, China, Pakistan and Peru. He was also a staunch advocate for recent immigrants to the USA and worked with his legal partners to obtain legal residency for them, often through highly challenging cases. Saul was highly respected by his peers and professional associates alike.
Saul was a 33rd Degree Mason and spent his life mentoring his friends and family with sage wisdom. He was also an ardent biblical scholar and educator, helping found synagogues in Brasília and Petrópolis (Brazil). During his posting in the Soviet Union, Saul clandestinely delivered prayer books and other Jewish materials to the Refusenik community. He would enter synagogues during evening services, quietly sitting in the back row, where he would leave the items and exit without drawing attention. While residing in Cuba in the early 1980's, Saul served the small Jewish community in Havana, bringing Passover Haggadot to the congregation, as well as routinely participating in Shabbat and High Holy Day services. He was also responsible for the first public display (at that time) of a Christmas tree since the Cuban Revolution, on the top floor of the US Interests Section. These heroic actions came at great personal risk. During his retirement in Brazil, Saul helped bring a large number of families, whose Sephardic ancestors had been forcibly converted during the Inquisition, back to Judaism.
As a member of Lions Club de Itaipava (Brazil) Saul organized several health fairs and other activities to benefit those less fortunate in the community. He also worked tirelessly with local churches and other charities in the area on similar projects. Since returning to the USA in 2018, Saul joined the Palm Beach Sheriff Department's Volunteer Program (recently promoted to Lieutenant). He also served on the security committee at Temple Anshei Shalom, as well as the building committee at Huntington Lakes. Saul brought light to everywhere he went and everyone he met.
Saul loved Klezmer music, Mel Brooks, old Sherlock Holmes movies, and World War II documentaries. He adored his pets, tending to his gardens, and exploring nature. He loved good friends, good food and wine, Chivas Regal, and a great cigar. Saul always reveled in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He was also an accomplished amateur theater actor and director. His breakout role was as Gibbs in 'Arsenic and Old Lace' in the Little Theater Group (Brasília) and most recently joined the cast of 'Meddler Off the Roof" performed by the Huntington Lakes Acting Club.
Saul is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Debbi (Peter), Henry-Cameron, and Stefan (Cora); grandchildren Joseph, Tatiana, Sarah, and Rafael; brother Malcolm (Kathy). Saul was predeceased by his eldest grandson Cameron David Allen, as well as his parents Elaine and David Gefter of Tamarac, Florida. He also leaves behind family and legions of friends in Brazil and around the globe who deeply loved and admired him. May his memory be a Blessing.