Tragedy: 5 Breslov Hasidim from Israel killed in fatal accident in Morocco

December 6, 2024   

A difficult tragedy: Five Breslev Hasidim from Safed were killed early Friday in a fatal car accident in the area of ​​the city of Zagora in Morocco. The victims are: Rabbi Nathan Shapira, 37 - left 8 orphans, Rabbi Shimon Tefilinsky, 33 - left 8 orphans, his brother Yosef Chaim Tefilinsky, 20, the young man Moshe Galant, 18, and the young man Israel Meir Shasha, 25. A statement issued by Safed Mayor Yossi Kekun said: "After the families were informed, I regret to announce the identities of those killed in the serious accident tonight in Morocco. At the municipality's funeral home, we are working in coordination with the relevant authorities to bring them as soon as possible for burial in Israel. "The municipality's teams, led by the Welfare Department, are in continuous contact with the dear families and are providing all the assistance and support needed at this difficult time. I once again strengthen the hands of the bereaved families. The entire city of Safed bows its head and shares in your heavy sorrow." This is a group of Breslov Hasidim who traveled to a trip to the graves of the righteous in the North African country. The accident occurred in a remote location about six hours' drive from the city of Marrakesh. The injured were evacuated to a local hospital in Zagora, and from there they were flown to Casablanca, in preparation for the coffins being flown to Israel on Sunday. The deceased were traveling in a convoy of vehicles through desert terrain, on their way to the grave of Rabbi Machlof Ben Yosef, and a few hours after the group reached their destination, the other travelers noticed that the passengers of one of the vehicles were missing. At this point, a search was launched, and the police and local authorities were notified. A few hours later, the vehicle with the bodies of the deceased was located on the side of the road. Various parties are working to bring the bodies to Israel as soon as possible. The rabbi of the community that set out on the journey said in a statement: "To my regret, last night some of the group left us and traveled to one of the graves in a remote place, and to my regret this morning we were informed that not everyone survived the accident. May God help and have mercy on us and we will be strong and we will be informed of good news and say, 'God is enough for our troubles,' and may God wipe away every tear from every face, Amen." Tel Aviv ZAKA spokesman Israel Hasid said in an interview on the B network: "This is a self-inflicted accident involving one vehicle. They were part of a large group, and the accident occurred in a desert area." The ZAKA 360 hotline reported that this morning calls were received from worried family members, following a report of a serious accident in Morocco. "Since this morning, volunteers from Unit 360 - the National Assistance Network have been in contact with representatives of Chabad and the local Jewish community, in order to assist in bringing the deceased for burial in Israel. Elchanan Roth, commander of Unit 360-ZAKA: "The accident was a long way from the area where Jews live in Morocco, which made it very difficult to provide quick and dignified treatment for the deceased. The unit's volunteers have been working since this morning in cooperation with the Jewish community in Morocco and the consulate to help transport the bodies to Casablanca and from there bring them for burial in Israel." [Gallery] The ZAKA organization stated: This morning, at around 10:00, a report was received at the national headquarters of the ZAKA organization about a fatal car accident in Morocco, a vehicle carrying five Israelis apparently lost control and overturned. All of the vehicle's passengers were killed as a result of the force of the accident. Haim Weingarten, Deputy Director of the ZAKA organization: "Since receiving the report of the difficult event, we have been working in the international unit with the authorities in Morocco to expedite the process of releasing and identifying the bodies, and also to assist the families in everything possible to bring them to burial." Safed Mayor Yossi Kakkun earlier issued a special message to the city's residents: "With great sadness, I learned of a serious car accident that occurred tonight in Morocco, involving a number of Safed residents. Since receiving the message, I have been in continuous contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the official authorities handling the event - and am receiving regular updates on the situation." The mayor added: "I and senior municipal officials, along with professional officials, are in the task force handling the event. As necessary, I have instructed all municipal departments, primarily the Welfare Department, to prepare to provide an immediate response and full support to the dear families. The municipal teams are on full alert and will provide any assistance required. My heart goes out to the families at this difficult time." He emphasized: "We ask in every language of request, not to publish names or identifiers - the families have not yet received notifications about the condition of their loved ones. I will continue to update on developments. In prayer for good news." The Foreign Ministry announced: A serious car accident in Morocco involving Israelis. The Israeli mission in Rabat and the Department for Israelis Abroad at the Foreign Ministry headquarters are handling the incident. Minister of Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, Meir Porush, spoke with the Israeli Ambassador to Morocco, Yossi Ben David, who has been focusing many efforts in recent hours to expedite the return to Israel of those killed in the serious accident in the country. At the ambassador's request, Minister Porush is also working with the relevant parties in the Israeli aviation world as part of the effort to arrange their flight to Israel as soon as possible. In addition, the Deputy Mayor of Safed, Nachman Gelbach, representative of the Breslov Hasidim in the city, has been working since the disaster occurred to assist the families of the victims and is closely accompanying them during these difficult times.