BDE: Rabbi Yaakov Shalom Fischer, 65, OBM

by Hamodia.com

The noted philanthropist and ish hachessed, Rabbi Yaakov Shalom Fischer, a”h, passed away Thursday at the Laniado Hospital in Kiryat Sanz in Netanya, after his condition was defined as very serious in recent days, following a serious illness from which he suffered.

He was 65 years old.

Reb Shulem Fischer, as he was fondly known, was born in Iyar of 5717/1957, and was one of the leading Erlau Chassidim. He was a noted baal tzedakah, who supported hundreds of widows and families of orphans who received thousands of shekels a month.

In addition, he was known for his various businesses in which he was a partner, such as the Swedish giant IKEA in its branch in Israel, and the Shufersal supermarket chain.

He was orphaned from his father Reb Shimson, a”h – who was also a noted philanthropist – when he was 7, when his father suddenly passed away when he was on his way to his older brother’s wedding in London.

Many tefillos were held on his behalf over the last few months.

Reb Shulem is survived by his wife, nine children and many descendants who follow his path of Torah and Chassidus – continuing his blessed acts of tzedakah and chessed.

He is also survived by his brother Rabbi Dovid Fischer of Crown Heights/Israel.

The levaya was held from his home in Bnei Brak, and later from the Erlau beis medrash, in the Katamon neighborhood of Yerushalayim, to Har Hamenuchos, where he will be buried.

Baruch Dayan Hoemes