Mark Sabah (1990-95)

The Road from Carmel

31-05-2024 • 52 minutes

Joining Jill and Doron on our 20th episode, the second of our second season, to tell us his story, is Mark Sabah, an international political activist and lobbyist, and former Head Boy at Carmel.

Mark was born in London and raised in Africa as the son of a diplomat for the European Union.  After Carmel, he studied Politics and Social Sciences at Manchester Metropolitan University, and eventually became a public affairs advocate for human rights against authoritarian regimes.  He is credited with the passage of the Magnitsky Law, which is now carried in 35 countries.  Currently he is a Director of a foundation that promotes freedom in Hong Kong.  His work has made him a persona non grata in both Russia and China - but he is most welcome here, on “The Road from Carmel” podcast.

Hear Mark talk about keeping kosher in Africa, Jewish discus-throwing, becoming Head Boy, being chased on the North Circular, and how he came to work for Lord Jeffrey Archer.

Thank you, Mark Sabah, for turning us again to Carmel days!

Dedication: at Mark’s request, this episode is dedicated to the memory of Ari Tjarden, one of Mark’s first friends at Carmel and former table tennis partner, who passed away in Berlin in 1991 at the age of 14 from a lung disease.


Personal mentions in this episode:

  • Philip Skelker (Headmaster)

  • David Jones (Mongewell Housemaster & Football Coach)

  • Pam Matfield (Drama)

  • Peter Morrison (Sherman Housemaster & PE)

  • Dr.Sally Carr (English)

  • Liz Goodall (English & Music)

  • Gila Lepar

  • Anick Sabah

  • David Norman

  • Sabina Kardonski

  • Hayley Kluman

  • Ilana Brandwain

  • Eitan Kachtan

  • Jonathan Apfel

  • Lloyd Tythe

  • Joel Camissar

  • Rebekah Saunders

  • Claire Cowan

  • David Dangoor

  • Claudia Laing

  • Daniel Bennis

  • Daniel Benamu

Feel free to leave a comment letting us know what you liked about this episode, and rate us on your favorite podcast platform 🙏🏼

To tell us your story, email us at doronjunger@yahoo.com / jill@jillkenton.co.uk