Torah dedicated to the memory of the young Shlyakh who was killed in an accident

In a moving ceremony, the local Chabad community “Simcha” in Kiev, Ukraine, was presented with a new Torah in memory of the little boy Yoel David Lanao AH, who tragically died in a fatal car accident in Yerushalayim.

Many remember the fatal accident that killed young Chabad emissary Yoel David Lanao of Kiev on his way from a youth activity in Jerusalem.

His father, Rabbi Daniel Lanao, an energetic leader of Kiev’s Jewish community, received the devastating news while on his way to an event to dedicate a Torah scroll for another community member. In honor of the memory of Yoel David, it was decided to present a beautiful Torah scroll to the Kiev community, which he loved so much.

This week in Kiev’s Jewish community, the inauguration of the Torah scroll took place in a large and particularly emotional event attended by hundreds of community members.

Just days before the accident, Yoel David had returned from a visit to Kyiv during the holidays of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, despite the ongoing crisis, bombings and long power outages that had begun at that time. He enjoyed participating in and supporting the community’s holiday activities by helping Jews bless the Four Species and bring joy to all. After returning to Israel, he expressed his desire to return to Kiev despite the situation and shared this with a friend just moments before the accident.

Immediately after the tragic event, many Jews around the world made positive resolutions and performed numerous mitzvot in his memory. A fundraiser for the Torah Scroll and other initiatives was launched in his honor, with over a thousand people participating. His family returned to Kiev a year ago, just as Yoel David had wished.

Community members participated in writing the final letters of the Torah scroll and then took part in an emotional procession with the scroll. After the traditional celebratory dance, a large meal took place during which psalms were recited. Rabbi Mordechai Levenhartz read a letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, participants heard the sound of the shofar and students from the Jewish school “Simcha” sang a special song about the Torah.

A special video was shown about Yoel David, his life’s mission and his love for Torah. Rabbi Daniel, Yoel David’s father, shared with the audience a personal note that Yoel David wrote to the Rebbe when he was five years old. In the note, Yoel David called for success in overcoming the evil inclination and the establishment of more Chabad houses and mikvahs (ritual baths) in Kiev. The note was recently found and there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

On behalf of the Lanao family and the Kiev Jewish community, our heartfelt thanks go to everyone who took part in Yoel David’s campaign.

The Lanao family and the Kiev Jewish community continue to hold activities in memory of Yoel David and hope to soon expand the community building to include guest rooms and lecture halls.