BDE: HaRav Hachosid Menachem Mendel Okunov, 70, OBM

With great pain and sadness we report the passing of HaRav Hachosid Menachem Mendel ben Dovid Okunov OBM, a Shliach of the Rebbe who devoted his life to directing Yeshivas Ohel Dovid and Camp Gan Yisroel of moisad F.R.E.E. He passed away on Wednesday, Yud Gimmel Adar Beis, 5782.

He was 70 years old.

Reb Mendel, grew up in the Former Soviet Union, keeping Torah and Mitzvos with great Mesirus Nefesh while hiding from the KGB.

Showing tremendous love to all, he was dearly loved by all who knew him.

Reb Mendel, as he was affectionately known by his his friends and Talmidim has devoted his life to the Rebbe’s Shlichus, directing Yeshivas Ohel Dovid and Camp Gan Yisroel of moisad F.R.E.E showing thousands of students the warmth and light of Yiddishkeit. Reb Mendel lived by example, showing all the ways of Chasidus, the embodiment of what it means to be a Chosid.

Reb Mendel just celebrated his 70th birthday with many of his students attending a large Farbrengen, with many emotionally sharing how Reb Mendel has changed their life. Many of his students have established beautiful frum families, among them Anash and Shluchim of the Rebbe.

He is survived by his wife Zahava, children Dovid, Levi Yitzchok, Aharon, Moshe, Yosef, Chaya Mushka Rutman, Bassia Rivkah, Sholom Dov Ber, Shneur Zalman, Shmuel, Yisroel Arye Leib and Boruch.

He is also survived by his siblings HaRav Meir and HaRav Tzvi Hirsh Okunov and sister Ita Altein.

The Levaya will take place today, Wednesday, passing by ULY – Yeshivas Ohel Dovid F.R.E.E at 841 Ocean Parkway at approximately 1:00pm and will pass 770 at approximately 1:30pm.

Shiva information to be announced.

Boruch Dayan Hoemes