This week the Jewish community in Kyiv dedicated a new Torah scroll in honor of a special young man who died last year in Jerusalem. Yoel David Lanau had just returned from a trip to Kyiv when tragedy struck. He had travelled back to his hometown, with his brother and father, to help the Jewish community celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah. Undeterred by the bombings and frequent power outages, Yoel David had been happy to assist with the holiday activities. Back in Israel he told his friends of his desire to return to Kyiv, despite the ongoing crisis.
Sadly, while on his way home from a youth activity, Yoel David was fatally struck by a cement truck as he crossed a busy street. His father, Rabbi Daniel Lanao, a leader of the Jewish community of Kyiv, received the devastating news while on his way to a Torah scroll dedication event.
In honor of Yoel David’s memory, a beautiful Torah scroll was dedicated to the Kyiv community that he loved so dearly. This week, hundreds of people attended the emotional inauguration event, including his family who had returned to live in Kyiv, just as Yoel David had wished.
Community members took part in writing the final letters of the Torah scroll and then joined a ceremonial procession, followed by dancing, and a meal. A special video was shown about Yoel David and his life’s mission. Rabbi Daniel, Yoel David’s father, shared a personal note that Yoel David had written to the Rebbe at the age of five, asking for success in overcoming evil, and for the establishment of more Chabad houses and mikvahs (ritual baths) in Kyiv. There was not a dry eye in the room.
The Lanao family and the Jewish community of Kyiv continue to honor the memory of Yoel David by working together to strengthen and expand their impact, with plans to increase the size of the community building in the near term. Generous donors from around the world contributed to the Torah scroll and other events in honor of the extraordinary young man, of blessed memory.
