Ryan Blatstein Philadelphia PA Obituary, Death: Showboat Atlantic City Owner Bart Blatstein Son Ryan Blatstein Passed Away

Yesterday, as word quickly spread about the sudden passing of Bart Blatstein’s son, Ryan, friends and acquaintances took the opportunity to extend their deepest condolences to Bart, who is a good friend and the owner of Showboat Atlantic City. Bart is presently living every parent’s worst nightmare, facing the impossible loss of a child.

A profound loss such as this goes against the laws of nature; no parent should ever have to suffer the loss of a child.

The photos above and below are from Laura Goldman, a freelance producer at Good Morning America, who wrote about Bart and his son Ryan flying to Israel to volunteer on a military base during the war against Hamas through Sar-El. 

Goldman shared Bart and Ryan’s journey, in Bart’s own words, in an effort to encourage others to volunteer.

This is a testament to the kind of person Bart Blatstein is, and the volunteer mission with his son Ryan exemplifies how they have lived their lives together.

Bart said, “If Jews can’t be safe in Israel, there's nowhere we can be safe.” He explained to Goldman why he volunteered on this mission to Israel:

“I was 13 years old when the 6 Day War broke out. We were living in Northeast Philly across the street from our synagogue, Shaare Shamayim. At the breakout of the war, all members were called to the synagogue for an emergency meeting. 

I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember even where I sat that night. It was one of those things that are forever burned in your memory—where you were when Kennedy was assassinated, the 9/11 attack, etc.

October 7th changed me forever. I always felt an underlying antisemitism in the world, but never could I imagine the viciousness of what is happening now. How could the world be blind to the utterly blatant lying of the haters? 

Israel is smaller than New Jersey, has never attacked another country, is the only democracy in the Middle East, and accepts all people as equal in Israel,” said Blatstein to Goldman.

Blatstein was greatly influenced by his father, Harry, and here he was in Israel with his son, Ryan, doing such important and selfless work. This is the Bart Blatstein that I have gotten to know over the past decade.

Please pray for Bart Blatstein and his family during this very difficult time of profound loss.