Emotional Inauguration in Kyiv: New Torah Scroll Dedicated in Memory of a Young Actvist
In a moving ceremony, a new Torah scroll was introduced to the local Chabad “Simcha” community in Kyiv Ukraine, in memory of the young boy, Yoel David Lanao OBM, who tragically passed away in a fatal car accident in Jerusalem.
Many remember the fatal accident that claimed the life of the young Chabad emissary, Yoel David Lanao, from Kyiv, while he was on his way from a youth activity in Jerusalem. His father, Rabbi Daniel Lanao, an energetic leader in the Jewish community of Kyiv, received the devastating news while on his way to a Torah scroll dedication event for another community member. In honor of Yoel David’s memory, the decision was made to introduce a beautiful Torah scroll to the Kyiv community, which he loved so dearly.
This week, the Torah scroll inauguration took place in the Jewish community of Kyiv during a grand and especially 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 lengthy power outages that had begun at the time. He was very happy to participate in and assist with the community’s holiday activities, helping Jews bless the Four Species and bringing joy to everyone. After returning to Israel, he expressed his desire to return to Kyiv despite the situation, sharing this with a friend just moments before the accident occurred.
Immediately following the tragic event, many Jews around the world made positive resolutions and took numerous mitzvot in his memory. A fundraising campaign was launched for the Torah scroll and other initiatives in his honor, with over a thousand people contributing. His family returned to live in Kyiv a year ago, just as Yoel David had wished.
Community members took part in writing the final letters of the Torah scroll and then participated in an emotional procession with the scroll. After the traditional celebratory dancing, a grand meal was held, during which Psalms were recited. Rabbi Mordechai Levenhartz read a letter from the Lubavitcher Rebbe, the participants heard the sound of the shofar, and the students of the “Simcha” Jewish school performed a special song about the Torah.
A special video was shown about Yoel David, his life’s mission, and his love for the Torah. Rabbi Daniel, Yoel David’s father, shared with the audience a personal note that Yoel David had written to the Rebbe at the age of five. In the note, Yoel David asked for success in overcoming the evil inclination and for the establishment of more Chabad houses and mikvahs (ritual baths) in Kyiv. The note was recently found, and there was not a dry eye in the room.
On behalf of the Lanao family and the Jewish community of Kyiv, heartfelt thanks are extended to everyone who took part in Yoel David’s campaign.
The Lanao family and the Jewish community of Kyiv continue to carry out actions in Yoel David’s memory and hope to soon expand the community building to include guest rooms and lecture halls.
