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Tefilin and Siddur Found on Guma’s Boat

by Allison C. Witty – VIN News

The mysterious disappearance of Fort Lauderdale millionaire Guma Aguiar, 35, became even more curious after United States Coast Guard search and rescue teams revealed today that among other things, a pair of tefillin and a Jewish prayer book was discovered on his boat.

According to the Sun-Sentinel, Aguiar was last seen navigating his boat in bad weather on the evening of June 19. A 48-hour search for Aguiar did not conclusively prove he had planned or committed suicide.

Commander Darren Caprara, chief of response for the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami, called the tefillin, “just another lead,” and said, “It could have meant he had a resounding desire to live, and was a highly spiritual person.”

Aguiar has been described by investigators as “unstable” and “on medication for depression.” He is still listed as a missing person with the Fort Lauderdale police. His mother, Ellen Aguiar, said, “I continue to pray that wherever he is, he is well, and at peace.”

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7 Comments

  • Praying

    If I was staging my disappearance I would almost certainly put my Tefilin on the boat to make it look good. And with that kind of money I could always buy a second pair.

    The investigators need to ask, who brings Tefilin on a boat especially when it went out in the evening? Maybe just overkill on the disappearance act.

    I hope he is found, is given the help he requires and can then go back to helping Chabad in his most beautiful ways.

  • moishie

    I do not understand why it took the police 2 and 1/2 months to find the siddur and tefllin on his boat!